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SBIJRG 


HISTORY 


OF   BRINGING 


THE  ATCHISON,  TOPEKA 
&  SANTA  FE  RAILWAY 


TO 


GALESBURG 


BY 

CLARK  E.  CARR 

1913 


^ 


Copyright    1913 

by 

Clark  E.  Carr 


WAGONER    PRINTING    CO.,    GALESBURG,    ILL. 


PORTRAITS 


WILLIAM  B.  STRONG 

President  of  the  Atchison,  Topeka  &  Santa  Fe  Rail- 
way Company  when  he  extended  the  line  from 
Kansas  City  to  Chicago Frontispiece 

A.  A.  ROBINSON 

Vice  President  and  Chief  Engineer  of  the  Atchi- 
son, Topeka  &  Santa  Fe  Railway  when  the  line 
was  extended  from  Kansas  City  to  Chicago 16 

HON.  W.  SELDEN  GALE 22 

J.  T.  Mcknight 47 

ASA  A.  MATTESON 48 

JOHN  E.  FROST 

Land  Commissioner  of  the  Atchison,  Topeka  & 
Santa  Fe  Railway  Company 77 

COL.  CLARK  E.  CARR 78 


ivj83?74: 


WILLIAM  B.  STRONG 

President  of  the  Atchison,  Topeka  &  Santa  Fe  Railway  Com- 
pany wlien  lie  extended  tlie  line  from  Kansas  City  to  Chicago. 


The  Atchison,  Topeka  and 
Santa  Fe  Railway  . . , , 


HISTORY  OF 

BRINGING  THE  GREAT  HIGHWAY 

THROUGH  GALESBURG 

One  of  the  most  important  events  in  the  his- 
tory of  Galesburg  and  of  Knox  County  was  the 
building  of  the  Santa  Fe  Railway  from  Kansas 
City  to  Chicago. 

The  system  had  been  in  operation  from  Kan- 
sas City  west,  for  years,  the  lines  OAvned  and 
operated  by  the  company  traversing  the  states 
and  territories  of  the  Southwest,  with  terminals 
in  California  and  old  Mexico,  on  the  Pacific 
Ocean.  All  the  vast  shipments,  over  a  system 
nearly  six  thousand  miles  in  extent,  were  at  Kan- 
sas City  transferred  to  the  trunk  lines  reaching 
there  from  Chicago.     The  management  decided 


History  of  Bringing  the 

that  instead  of  giving  this  business  to  other  lines, 
it  was  for  the  interest  of  the  Santa  Fe  to  build 
a  line  for  itself  to  Chicago  and  deliver  its  own 
passengers  and  freight  there,  on  its  own  cars, 
w^t^'0i?t:  reshipment.  This  being  the  principal 
object  of  .extending  the  system,  the  question  of 
gaiiiiilg '  local  business  along  the  proposed  line 
was  subordinated  to  that  of  finding  a  short  line 
with  easy  grades  to  Chicago. 

ENGINEERS 

SENT  OUT  TO  "PIONEER"  FOR 

A  SUITABLE  LINE 

With  this  latter  object  in  view,  engineers 
were  sent  out  through  Missouri,  Iowa  and  Illi- 
nois by  Mr.  A.  A.  Robinson,  Vice  President  and 
Chief  Engineer  of  the  Santa  Fe  system,  to  find 
the  shortest  and  least  expensive  line,  with  in- 
structions to  keep  their  own  counsel.  For  a  con- 
siderable time  it  was  not  known  by  the  people 
through  the  country  where  they  passed,  what 
interest  these  engineers  represented,  and  there 
were  many  theories  and  surmises  in  regard  to  it. 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

These  engineers  "pioneered"  several  routes 
during  the  winter  of  1885-6,  and  early  in  the 
summer  of  1886  were  able  to  report. 

ENTERPRISE,  PUBLIC  SPIRIT 

AND  GENEROSITY  OF  THE  PEOPLE 

OF  GALESBURG 

The  City  of  Galesburg  was  more  than  ten 
miles  away  from  the  nearest  point  of  the  line 
through  Illinois,  which  appeared  most  favora- 
ble under  the  conditions  required.  Through  ex- 
traordinary effort,  public  spirit  and  liberality 
on  the  part  of  the  citizens  of  Galesburg,  the  au- 
thorities of  the  road  were  induced  to  locate  and 
build  the  line  through  that  city. 

To  no  individual  citizen  can  justly  be  attri- 
buted the  distinction  of  securing  the  road  to 
Galesburg.  Never  was  there  an  enterprise  in 
which  the  labors  were  more  generally  distributed 
and  borne.  Nearly  every  resident  of  Galesburg, 
high  and  low,  rich  and  poor,  male  and  female, 
contributed  in  some  way  to  the  result. 


History  of  Bringing  the 

The  leader  in  the  movement  was  Colonel 
Clark  E.  Carr.  Business  relations  with  the  offi- 
cials of  the  road  took  him  frequently  to  their 
headquarters  at  Topeka,  and  he  was  not  long  in 
finding  out  that  the  line  was  surely  to  be  ex- 
tended to  Chicago  and  the  views  of  the  manage- 
ment in  regard  to  its  location.  He  had  frequent 
interviews  at  Topeka  with  Colonel  George  R. 
Peck,  the  general  solicitor,  with  Mr.  C.  W. 
Smith,  the  vice  president  and  general  traffic  man- 
ager, and  with  Mr.  John  E.  Frost,  who  held  the 
high  position  of  land  commissioner,  and  he  oc- 
casionally met  Mr.  W.  B.  Strong,  the  president, 
whose  office  was  in  Boston,  and  Mr.  A.  A.  Rob- 
inson, vice  president  and  chief  engineer.  Colonel 
Carr  was  prominent  in  presenting  the  matter  to 
the  people  of  Galesburg  and  in  bringing  them 
into  relations  with  the  authorities  of  the  road. 
Most  of  the  correspondence,  while  the  question 
of  location  was  pending,  was  conducted  by  him. 

Colonel  Peck  and  Mr.  Smith  both  soon  be- 
came friendly  to  Galesburg.  Colonel  Peck  earn- 
estly favored  making  it  a  point.    John  E.  Frost, 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

a  former  Galesburg  boy,  was  enthusiastically 
for  Galesburg  from  the  first  and  lost  no  oppor- 
tunity to  press  her  claims.  He  was  in  constant 
correspondence  with  Colonel  Carr. 

HON.  W.  SELDEN  GALE 

Hon.  W.  Selden  Gale  and  Col.  Carr  had 
been  working  together  for  many  years  in  efforts 
to  bring  a  new  line  of  railway  to  Galesburg.  Mr. 
Gale  had  been  one  of  the  prominent  actors  in 
the  efforts  which  resulted  in  giving  Galesburg 
the  C.  B.  &  Q.,  and  had  devoted  his  life  to  the 
interests  of  the  city.  Naturally,  as  soon  as  the 
first  faint  hope  of  getting  the  Santa  Fe  ap- 
peared, these  two  were  in  consultation.  They 
at  once  decided  that  action  should  be  taken  and 
a  few  representative  citizens  were  asked  to  meet 
at  the  Galesburg  Club  rooms  to  consider  the 
matter.  The  meeting  was  presided  over  by 
Mayor  G.  W.  Foote  and  the  whole  subject  was 
thoroughly  discussed,  resulting  in  the  appoint- 
ment of  a  committee  to  look  after  the  matter. 
W.  S.  Gale,  Clark  E.  Carr,  E.  P.  Williams,  J. 


History  of  Bringing  the 

T.  McKnight  and  A.  C.  Clay  were  appointed  as 
that  committee  and  continued  to  serve  until  the 
road  was  secured. 

The  main  point  was  to  convince  the  authori- 
ties of  the  road  that  it  was  for  their  interest  to 
come  through  Galesburg.  They  were  so  wedded 
to  the  theory  of  a  short  line,  with  easy  grades,  to 
transport  their  western  freight  to  Chicago,  that 
this  w^as  a  difficult  thing  to  do.  The  principal 
arguments  were  made  in  personal  interviews  at 
Topeka,  and  there  was  much  correspondence  by 
letter.  Col.  Carr  wrote  to  Vice  President  C.  W. 
Smith  on  June  2nd,  1886: 

"Since  talking  with  you,  in  your  office 
at  Topeka,  I  have  met  and  had  some  con- 
versation with  Mr.  Robinson  (not  the  chief 
engineer,  but  one  of  the  surveyors  of  the 
preliminary  lines  East  of  the  Mississippi, 
under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Barker,  at  Keo- 
kuk). Of  course  I  could  not  ask  him  for 
information,  or  volunteer  assistance,  with- 
out seeming  impertinent,  as  it  has  been  very 
properly  the  policy  of  all  these  engineers 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

to  be  reticent,  and  therefore,  I  did  not  say 
so  much  as  I  would  like  to  have  done,  and 
as  I  hope  to  do,  upon  being  placed  in  a  pos- 
ition to  do  so.  I  did,  however,  suggest  a 
practicable  and  very  cheap  line  through  this 
city,  which  would  bring  the  passenger  depot 
very  near  to  the  main  business  street. 

As  I  said  to  you  at  Topeka,  it  will  be 
a  pleasure  to  me  to  assist  in  every  way  in 
my  power  if  I  can  do  so." 

Colonel  Carr  wrote  to  Mr.  W.  B.  Strong, 
president  of  the  Santa  Fe,  on  September  20th: 

"We  have  read,  in  this  locality,  the  news- 
paper reports  in  regard  to  j^our  building  a 
line  to  Chicago.  I  have  had  considerable 
conversation,  and  some  little  correspon- 
dence upon  the  subject,  with  Vice  President 
Smith  and  other  officers  of  your  road.  They 
could  give  me  no  definite  information,  but 
Mr.  Smith  has  asked  me  to  be  ready  to 
assist  your  people  in  case  you  decide  to 
come  this  way. 

We  are  ready  to  give  encouragement 
and  do  our  part  toward  securing  the  line. 


History  of  Bringing  the 

My  object  in  addressing  yon  is  to  ask 
whether  there  is  anything  I,  or  any,  or  all 
of  our  citizens,  can  do  toward  inducing  your 
company  to  come  this  way.  Will  you  kindly 
give  me  such  information  as  may,  at  this 
time,  be  proper  and  consistent?" 

LINE  PROJECTED  SOUTH  OF 
GALESBURG 

Colonel  Carr  met  President  Strong  in  Chi- 
cago early  in  November,  and  was  informed  by 
him  that  the  chief  engineer,  Mr.  Robinson,  had 
found  a  much  shorter  line  than  was  possible  to 
get  via  Galesburg,  which  he  favored  and  would 
no  doubt  be  settled  upon,  as  all  had  implicit  con- 
fidence in  their  chief  engineer,  and  requested 
him.  Col.  Carr,  to  get  what  influence  he  could 
to  help  them  through  the  county  in  securing  the 
right-of-way,  etc.  Upon  returning  to  Gales- 
burg Colonel  Carr,  on  November  11th,  1886, 
again,  after  consulting  Mr.  Gale  and  the  other 
members  of  the  committee,  wrote  Mr.  Strong,  as 
follows : 

10 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

"I  have  thought,  since  you  told  me  in 
Chicago  that  Mr.  Robinson  was  inclined  to 
a  line  ten  to  twelve  miles  away  from  Gales- 
burg,  that  if  you  do  not  come  here,  there 
will  not  be  the  same  feeling  toward  you 
(such  a  friendly  feeling  as  had  been  ex- 
pressed by  Col.  Carr  in  the  Chicago  inter- 
view as  existing  in  Galeshurg),  and  it  has 
occurred  to  me  that  it  would  not,  perhaps, 
be  improper  to  call  your  attention  to  this 
phase  of  the  matter. 

Galeshurg  is,  by  several  thousand,  the 
largest  town  in  this  region,  except  Peoria, 
which  is  forty  miles  away  from  your  pro- 
posed line,  on  the  Illinois  River.  We  have 
a  population  of  fifteen  thousand  and  would 
very  shortly  have  twenty-five  thousand  if 
you  came  here.  Our  people  are  intimately 
connected  hy  trade,  political  associations, 
etc.,  with  those  living  along  nearly  one  hun- 
dred miles  of  your  proposed  main  line,  fifty 
miles  each  way  from  here.  I  am  sure  that, 
in  many  ways,  we  can  help  you  in  building 
your  line,  not  only  in  this,  but  in  other  coun- 
ties, besides  the  benefits  you  would  get  for 
all  time  from  our  business,  if  your  line  ran 

11 


History  of  Bringing  the 

through  this  city.  More  than  one-third  of 
the  population  and  property  of  the  county 
are  in  this  city.  There  are  very  few  county 
towns  which  have  the  good  will  of  the  peo- 
ple of  the  county  and  which  have  more  in- 
fluence with  the  people  of  the  county,  in  a 
greater  degree,  than  this.  We  have  just 
built  a  splendid  court  house,  of  which  all 
the  people  are  proud.  It  is  true  that  the 
people  of  the  whole  county  are  interested 
in  Galesburg. 

Now,  if  you  decide  to  build  a  railway 
ten  miles  away  from  Galesbin-g,  I  very 
much  fear  that  our  people  in  Galesburg 
would  regard  it  as  a  menace  to  their  inter- 
ests, rather  than  as  advantageous.  *  *  *  * 
A  prominent  member  of  the  board  of  su- 
pervisors (Mr.  Gale)  said  to  me  to-day, 
that  if  the  Santa  Fe  comes  to  Galesburg 
we  will  do  everything  in  reason  they  ask, 
but  if  it  runs  through  the  county  on  the  line 
some  are  talking  about,  it  will  be  a  positive 
injury  to  Galesburg  and  of  no  particular 
benefit  to  the  county. 

Is  it  not  the  case  that  that  splendid  en- 
gineer, Mr.  Robinson,  has  usually  builded 

12 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galesburg 

through  a  new  unsettled  country?  I  fear 
that  he  does  not  sufficiently  appreciate  the 
difference  between  building  a  railway 
through  a  new  country,  where  the  centers 
of  business  are  made  by  the  railway,  and 
building  a  railway  through  a  country  where 
the  centers  are  already  established." 

MOVEMENT  TO  GET 

CHIEF  ENGINEER  ROBINSON 

TO  COME  TO  GALESBURG 

It  seemed  to  the  committee  a  matter  of  the 
utmost  importance  to  get  Chief  Engineer  Rob- 
inson to  visit  Galesburg  and  to,  in  person,  look 
the  ground  over,  and  every  energy  was  bent  in 
that  direction.  President  Strong  was  urged  to 
authorize  this,  and  appeals  were  made  to  him, 
through  Colonel  Peck,  Vice  President  Smith, 
and  Mr.  Frost  to  assist.  Mr.  Frost,  who  was 
taking  great  interest  in  the  matter,  was  in  con- 
stant correspondence  from  Topeka  with  the  com- 
mittee. On  November  15th,  1886,  he  wrote  Col- 
onel Carr  as  follows : 


13 


History  of  Bringing  the 

LETTER  FROM  JOHN  E.  FROST 

"My  Dear  Clark: 

Your  two  favors  duly  at  hand  and  noted 
with  great  interest.  I  have  just  seen  Col. 
Peck  and  talked  the  matter  over  with  him. 

Mr.  Robinson  is  still  away  but  will  re- 
turn to-morrow  when  I  will  try  to  have  him 
name  a  time  when  he  can  be  seen  by  a  Gales- 
burg  committee. 

I  will  advise  you  by  letter  or  wire  of  the 
date  he  names  and  I  think  then  you  and 
Gale  and  some  leading  business  man  like 
Max  Mack  or  Burkhalter  or  George  Diet- 
erick  had  better  come  out  and  see  Mr.  Rob- 
inson. 

I  believe  there  is  a  good  fighting  chance 
for  Galesburg  but  it  will  require  good  work. 

The  intention  of  the  Santa  Fe  folks  un- 
doubtedly is  to  build  by  the  best  possible 
route,  taking  distance  and  grades  into  con- 
sideration as  well  as  cost  of  right-of-way 
and  construction,  and  I  fear,  as  you  say, 
that  Mr.  Robinson,  from  the  surveys  now 
made,  favors  a  line  which  will  leave  Gales- 
burg at  one  side.    The  Galesburg  folks  may, 

14 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

perhaps,  get  him  to  change  his  views.  I 
will  help  you  all  that  I  can.  I  am,  as  you 
know,  deeply  interested  in  having  the  line 
go  to  Galesburg. 

I  enclose  pass  for  Mr.  Gale,  Kansas 
City  to  Topeka,  and  on  hearing  from  you 
by  wire  or  letter  giving  name  of  the  other 
party  who  will  come,  I  will  send  pass  for 
him,  care  H.  E.  Mass,  P.  A.,  A.  T.  &  S.  F., 
opposite  Union  depot,  Kansas  City. 

You  had  better  come  via  Kansas  City, 
as  you  will  have  a  dining  car  for  breakfast. 

The  other  way  the  breakfast  is  at  St. 
Jo,  pretty  early  in  the  morning. 

With  kind  regards  to  all, 
Yours  truly, 

Jno.  E.  Frost 

I  will,  of  course,  furnish  return  trans- 
portation to  Kansas  City  for  the  party." 

This  letter  was  followed  up  by  a  telegram 
from  Mr.  Frost  saying:  "Party  will  meet  you 
in  Galesburg  within  two  weeks,"  "party"  mean- 
ing Chief  Engineer  Robinson.    On  the  28th  Mr. 

15 


History  of  Bringing  the 

Robinson  himself  wrote  to  Colonel  Carr  as  fol- 
lows: 

"Your  very  kind  letter  of  Nov.  19th 
reached  me  in  good  time.  I  expected  to  be 
in  your  city  the  week  just  passed.  I  expect 
now  to  visit  your  city  the  last  of  this  week. 
I  will  wire  you  definitely  two  or  possibly 
three  days  in  advance.  One  of  my  principal 
objects  will  be  to  meet  you  and  I  hope  you 
will  be  at  home.  If  you  cannot,  please  to 
write  me  a  note  at  the  Grand  Pacific,  Chi- 
cago. I  appreciate  very  highly  your  cor- 
dial invitation  to  come  under  your  roof  and 
hospitality  while  in  your  city,  but  beg  you 
to  excuse  me  for  this  trip,  as  it  is  strictly  a 
business  one  and  I  will  have  two  or  three 
with  me  with  whom  I  desire  to  be  in  con- 
ference." 

CHIEF  ENGINEER  ROBINSON 
VISITS  GALESBURG 

On  December  2nd,  a  telegram  was  received 
by  Colonel  Carr  from  Mr.  A.  A.  Robinson  stat- 
ing that  he  would  be  in  Galesburg  on  the  morn- 

16 


A.   A.   HOHINSON' 


Vice  Pri'sideiit  and  Cliief  ]'>Mgiiiccr  of  tlic  Atcliisoii,  'rojx'ka 
&  Santa  Fe  Kaihvay  wlu'ti  tlie  line  was  extiMulod  from  Kansas 
City  to  Chicago. 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

ing  of  Saturday,  the  4th,  on  which  morning  he 
arrived.  He  had  with  him  his  stenographer  and 
Mr.  P.  F.  Barr,  who  had  charge,  under  his  direc- 
tion, of  the  surveys  of  the  line  through  Illinois. 
There  was  snow  on  the  ground  and  Mr.  Robinson 
and  Mr.  Barr  were  driven  in  a  sleigh  about  the 
city,  the  party  consisting  of  Mr.  Robinson,  Mr. 
Barr,  Mr.  Gale  and  Col.  Carr.  They  drove  first 
west,  down  the  Monmouth  road,  then  north  on 
Henderson  street,  across  Cedar  Fork  to  Main 
street,  then  west  on  Main  street,  the  two  engin- 
eers making  a  careful  examination  of  Cedar  Fork 
Valley.  They  then  drove  east,  crossing  and  re- 
crossing  Cedar  Fork  upon  several  streets.  Mr. 
Robinson  was  very  much  pleased  with  the  Cedar 
Fork  Valley  as  a  means  of  getting  through  the 
town,  but  he  thought  that  if  they  should  come  to 
Galesburg  and  the  valley  route  should  be  taken, 
it  woidd  be  necessary  to  leave  Cedar  Fork,  going 
east  at  Kellogg  street,  where  there  is  a  turn  in 
the  creek,  and  go  straight  east  in  order  to  cross 
on  the  same  grade  as  the  C.  B.  &  Q.  (It  was 
finally  arranged  between  the  two  companies  to 

17 


History  of  Bringing  the 

raise  the  grade  of  the  C.  B.  &  Q.  ten  feet  for  the 
Santa  Fe  to  pass  under,  and  so  the  Santa  Fe 
continued  up  Cedar  Fork  to  the  Burlington 
crossing,  making  to  the  citizens  of  Galesburg 
a  great  saving  of  expense  for  right-of-way.) 
The  party  heretofore  designated  then  drove  east 
on  Main  street  to  Court  Creek  valley  and  down 
the  valley  to  the  road  running  from  Knoxville 
to  Henderson,  on  the  east  side  of  which  are  now 
the  Purington  Brick  Works,  and  on  the  west 
side,  up  the  hill,  the  East  Galesburg  station. 
From  that  point  there  was  not  then  a  house  nor 
factory  in  sight.  Nearly  all  the  industries  along 
Court  Creey  valley  and  all  of  East  Galesburg 
have  been  built  up  since,  and  because  of  the 
building  of  the  Santa  Fe.  On  the  way  back  to 
town  the  party  called  upon  Hon.  George  W. 
Brown  at  his  farm  house,  who  was  very  much 
interested  in  the  proposed  line.  They  afterward 
drove  to  Knox  College,  the  new  court  house  and 
about  the  city  generally. 

Mr.  Robinson  was  struck  with  the  remarka- 
ble opportunities  presented  for  a  line  of  railway 

18 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

through  the  city.  He  was  surprised  that  a  line 
could  be  obtained  in  Cedar  Fork  valley  through 
the  heart  of  the  city,  as  far  from  the  west  as 
Kellogg  street,  at  comparatively  small  expense, 
while  the  right-of-way  was  precisely  in  the  di- 
rection he  wished  to  take,  and  that  it  would,  at 
the  same  time,  give  opportunity  to  establish  pas- 
senger and  freight  stations  near  Main  street. 
He  was  also  pleased  with  the  opportunity  to  go 
on  east  of  the  city,  through  Court  Creek  valley. 
Mr.  Gale  had  been  demonstrating  the  advantages 
presented  by  this  valley  for  a  railroad  for  many 
years,  and  was  delighted  to  find  that  this  great 
railroad  engineer  so  promptly  recognized  them. 
Upon  coming  back  to  the  city  Mr.  Robinson 
and  Mr.  Barr  received  the  other  members  of  the 
committee  and  quite  a  number  of  prominent  cit- 
izens, when  the  whole  subject  was  talked  over 
at  length,  and  to  whom  Mr.  Robinson  gave  great 
encouragement  by  his  frank  expressions  of  ap- 
preciation of  the  route  through  the  city  and  down 
Court  Creek. 

In  these  interviews,  and  in  all  the  interviews, 

19 


History  of  Bnnging  the 

he  said  that  he,  with  the  advantages  of  the  line 
which  he  had  then  in  contemplation,  could  not 
advise  the  president,  Mr.  Strong,  to  come  to 
Galesburg  without  the  city  would  furnish  right- 
of-way  and  depot  grounds,  and  that  the  citizens 
must  bind  themselves  to  do  this. 

In  consideration  of  the  greater  cost  of  the 
line  as  proposed,  east  of  Kellogg  street,  the  sug- 
gestion was  made  by  the  committee  that  the 
company  ought  to  bear  most  of  that  expense, 
and  it  was  proposed  that  the  citizens  of  Gales- 
burg furnish  all  the  right-of-way  west  of  Broad 
street  and  depot  grounds  and  twenty  acres  of 
land,  and  pay  one-third  of  the  cost  of  right-of- 
way  east  of  Broad  street,  the  company  paying 
for  two-thirds.  Mr.  Robinson  said  he  would 
present  this  proposition  to  President  Strong,  but 
that  he  could  give  no  encouragement  that  it  would 
be  accepted,  and  that  he  could  only  say  to  us 
that  the  only  condition  upon  which  the  road 
would  come  to  Galesburg  was,  that  we  give  the 
whole  right-of-way  and  depot  grounds  and  land 
required.     He  left  Galesburg  on  that  evening. 

20 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

His  visit  encouraged  the  committee  and  the  pub- 
lic to  hope  that  if  the  citizens  would  do  their  part 
they  might  yet  secure  the  road. 

MASS  MEETING  AT  PRINCESS 
RINK 

A  mass  meeting  was  called  for  Thursday 
evening,  December  9th,  to  be  held  at  the  Prin- 
cess Rink,  where  the  Auditorium  now  stands. 
One  of  the  large  posters,  with  great  display  let- 
ters announcing  the  meeting,  is  still  preserved, 
and  reads  as  follows: 

"A.  T.  &  S.  F.  Railroad.  Every  business 
man,  every  property  holder,  every  citizen  who  is 
interested  in  the  growth  and  prosperity  of  the 
city  is  requested  to  be  present  at  the  Princess 
Rink  Thursday  evening,  December  9th,  to  hear 
the  report  of  the  Committee  on  Railroad,  as  to 
what  is  necessary  to  secure  the  Santa  Fe  road. 
This  is  addressed  to  you  and  not  to  your  neigh- 
bor! We  can  secure  the  new  line  and  have  the 
question  settled  at  once,  if  we  will.    Good  speak- 

21 


History  of  Bringing  the 

ers  will  address  the  meeting.     Turn  out  every- 
body, w.  S.  Gale 

Clark  E.  Carr 
J.  T.  McKnight 
A.  C.  Clay 
E.  P.  Williams 

Committee" 

REPORT  OF  THE   COMMITTEE 

The  Rink  was  filled  to  overflowing.  Hon. 
George  W.  Foote,  mayor  of  the  city,  presided. 
Hon.  W.  S.  Gale,  on  behalf  of  the  committee, 
read  an  elaborate  and  interesting  report,  show- 
ing that  the  road  was  certain  to  be  built  through 
Illinois,  and  giving  a  clear  and  convincing  state- 
ment of  the  importance  and  necessity  of  the  road 
to  Galesburg,  an  account  of  the  correspondence 
with  the  company  and  a  statement  of  what  was 
necessary  to  secure  the  road,  if  it  could  be  se- 
cured at  all,  etc.  The  report  stated  that  "for 
three  years  the  Santa  Fe  company  had  had  men 
surveying  lines  from  Kansas  City  to  Chicago, 
from  which  they  had  had  full  reports.    That  our 

22 


HON.   W.  SKI.F)KX  GM.V. 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

committee,  through  one  of  its  members  (Col. 
Carr),  had  been  in  constant  communication  with 
the  president  and  managers  of  the  road ;  that  the 
chief  engineer  who  would,  more  than  any  one 
else,  determine  the  question  of  location,  was  of 
the  opinion  that  the  best  line,  the  shortest  line, 
is  12  miles  from  Galesburg;  that  while  he  re- 
gretted not  being  able  to  come  to  Galesburg,  we 
must  remember  that  the  primary  object  of  build- 
ing the  line  was  to  make  an  outlet  to  Chicago 
for  their  immense  western  trade,  etc. ;  that  at  the 
earnest  request  of  the  gentlemen,  to  whom  this 
statement  was  made,  President  Strong  had  prom- 
ised that  before  an  absolute  decision  should  be 
made,  the  chief  engineer  should,  as  he  had  never 
done  before,  visit  Galesburg.  That  visit  has 
been  made.  We  have  good  reason  to  believe  that 
the  effect  of  the  visit  has  been  to  give  a  more 
favorable  impression  of  the  value  of  this  route. 
That  we  are  led  to  believe  that  a  proposition 
coming  from  the  citizens  to  furnish  suitable  de- 
pot and  yard  grounds  and  right-of-way  through 
the  city  will  be  considered  favorably,  etc.    We, 

23 


History  of  Bringing  the 

(the  committee)  believe  that  this  is  Galesburg's 
great  opportunity.  If  successful,  we  shall  se- 
cure what  for  the  last  25  years  we  have  vainly 
struggled  for."  The  report  went  on,  at  consid- 
erable length,  to  show  the  advantage  the  line 
would  be  to  Galesburg. 

Following  the  above  report  of  the  committee 
made  by  Mr.  Gale,  the  meeting  was  addressed 
by  Colonel  Carr,  Hon.  O.  T.  Johnson,  Hon.  J. 
A.  McKenzie,  George  Ekins,  G.  A.  Murdock, 
and  others.  The  following  resolutions,  present- 
ed by  Hon.  D.  H.  Frisbie,  were  adopted: 

"Whereas,  The  Atchison,  Topeka  &  Santa 
Fe,  one  of  the  very  best  railway  corporations  in 
the  world,  proposes  at  once  to  establish  and  en- 
ter upon  building  a  line  of  railway  from  Kansas 
City  to  Chicago,  and 

Whereas,  Inducements  have  been  held  out 
to  the  committee  appointed  by  our  citizens  that 
in  case  we  will  furnish  right-of-way  through  the 
city  and  depot  and  yard  grounds,  the  proposed 
line  will  be  built  through  this  city;  therefore, 

24 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

Resolved,  That  we  regard  the  proposal  of 
said  railway  company  to  be  fair  and  just  and 
that  it  is  the  sense  of  this  meeting  that  it  is  of 
momentous  importance  to  the  interests  of  Gales- 
burg  that  the  proposal  of  the  A.  T.  &  S.  F.  com- 
pany be  accepted  and  that  means  be  at  once  taken 
to  comply  with  the  requirements  of  said  com- 
pany. 

Resolved,  That  we  regard  this  to  be  the  most 
practicable  and  feasible  railway  proposition  that 
has  been  presented  to  our  citizens  since  the  Chi- 
cago, Burlington  &  Quincy  Railway  was  built 
through  the  city,  and  we  believe  it  to  be  not  only 
the  interest  but  the  duty  of  every  good  citizen 
to  do  his  full  part  in  subscribing  money  and  in 
every  possible  way  to  assist  in  raising  the  amount 
required  to  bring  the  road  through  the  city. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  meeting 
that  such  a  new  railway  as  the  Santa  Fe  would 
give  a  new  impulse  to  our  city,  and  that  the 
marked  prosperity  which  we  have  witnessed  dur- 
ing the  last  year  would,  in  our  opinion,  continue 
until  Galesburg  would  become  an  important 
business  center  with  great  commercial  and  man- 
ufacturing  interests    and    diversified    industries 

25 


History  of  Bringing  the 

which,  with  our  educational  advantages,  would 
make  her  one  of  the  leading  cities  of  the  state. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  already  ap- 
pointed be  instructed  to  proceed  with  their  ef- 
forts to  secure  the  proposed  line  and  that  the 
Honorable  Mayor  and  Common  Council  be  re- 
quested to  co-operate  with  this  committee  and 
by  ordinance,  or  otherwise,  to  grant  right-of- 
way  through  and  across  streets  and  alleys,  etc., 
and  to  in  every  way  possible  assist  in  bringing 
the  line  through  the  city." 

On  motion  of  J.  B.  Boggs  the  following  per- 
sons were  added  to  the  committee :  G.  D.  Crock- 
er, S.  P.  Wood,  D.  H.  Frisbie,  C.  A.  Webster, 
R.  Chappell,  J.  O'Connor,  G.  Ekins,  W.  W. 
Washburn,  O.  Hawkinson,  H.  M.  Sisson,  Nels 
Nelson,  J.  L.  Burklialter,  L.  W.  Sanborn,  M. 
W.  Gay,  C.  L.  Hedele,  and  Captain  F.  Fuller. 

Committees  were  appointed  to  circulate  sub- 
scription papers,  the  city  was  divided  off  in  sec- 
tions and  canvassers  were  appointed  for  each  sec- 
tion. Names  of  citizens  were  taken  from  the 
city  directory  and  an  estimate  was  made  of  what 

26 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

each  person  ought  to  subscribe,  which  was  pre- 
sented to  him  and,  with  rare  exceptions,  he,  with- 
out hesitation,  put  down  his  name  for  the  amount 
he  was  assessed.  Never  did  a  community  come 
forward  with  such  cheerfulness  and  liberality. 

In  the  meantime  the  general  committee  was 
constantly  in  correspondence  with  the  railway 
officials,  who  insisted  upon  a  positive  proposal 
as  to  what  the  citizens  would  do,  backed  by  a 
guarantee.  On  the  14th,  Mr.  Robinson  wrote 
Col.  Carr: 

"Your  letter  of  10th  instant  received. 
I  hope  that  you  will  be  able  to  place  your 
proposition  in  my  hands  very  shortly,  if  the 
same  has  not  already  been  mailed,  as  this 
question  must  be  decided  on  now  in  a  short 
time." 

On  the  same  day  he  telegraphed  as  follows: 

"Clark  E.  Carr,  Esq.,  Galeshurg. 

Proposition  of  your  committee  not  yet 
received.  Please  send  it  or  a  copy  of  it  to 
me  at  the  Grand  Pacific  hotel,  Chicago, 
where  I  shall  be  the  last  of  the  week." 


27 


History  of  Bringing  the 

During  those  few  days  subscription  papers 
were  being  energetically  circulated  and  every 
person  in  the  city  was  seen  and  urged  to  sub- 
scribe. A  central  office  was  opened,  to  which 
the  committee  brought  their  report. 

An  absolute  guarantee  bond  was  also  pre- 
pared and  several  responsible  men  had  pledged 
themselves  to  sign  it.  This  guarantee  was  for 
20  acres  of  land  and  full  right-of-way  only  for 
the  line  west  of  Broad  street.  On  the  17th  the 
following  letter  was  mailed  to  Mr.  Robinson: 

"Galesburg,  Dec.  17,  1886 

A.  A.  Robinson,  Esq., 

Vice  President  A.  T.  and  S.  F.  R.  R. 

Dear  Sir: 

In  reply  to  your  esteemed  favor  we  have 
to  say  that  we  feel  confident  that  we  are 
entirely  safe  in  assuring  you  that  as  soon  as 
Wednesday  next  we  will  be  able  to  give  you 
a  written  guarantee  executed  by  men  in 
Galesburg,  who  are  entirely  responsible  and 
able  to  carry  it  out,  obligating  them  on  con- 
dition that  the  Chicago,  Santa  Fe  and  Cal- 

28 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

ifornia  Railroad  is  built  through  our  city, 
they  will  furnish  you  with  passenger  and 
freight  depot  and  yard  grounds  and  right- 
of-way  west  of  Broad  street  free  of  cost  to 
said  company,  and  also  pay  one-third  of  the 
cost  of  fifty  feet  of  right-of-way  east  of 
Broad  street  to  the  east  boundary  of  our 
city.  And  we  pledge  you  to  use  our  best 
endeavors  to  obtain  for  you  such  guarantee 
on  or  before  Wednesday  next  and  believe 
we  can  succeed. 

Very  truly  yours, 

Clark  E.  Carr 

W.  S.  Gale 

J.  T.  McKnight'' 

Mr.  Robinson  had  become  interested  in  Gales- 
urg.  His  visit  had,  as  the  committee  hoped  would 
be  the  case,  borne  fruit.  Upon  visiting  Gales- 
burg  he  had  come  to  appreciate  its  advantages 
as  a  point  on  the  line.  He  doubted  the  ability 
of  the  citizens  to  raise,  by  subscription,  sufficient 
money  for  the  line  then  proposed  through  the 
city,  and  would  himself,  as  was  believed  by  the 
committee,   have   made   the   concession   east   of 


History  of  Bnnging  the 

Broad  street.  President  Strong  was  still  wed- 
ded to  the  shorter  line,  and  would  not  consent 
to  making  Galesburg  a  point  if  it  would  entail 
additional  expense,  and  under  Mr.  Strong's  in- 
structions Mr.  Robinson  wrote  to  the  committee 
that  no  other  proposition  from  the  committee, 
than  to  furnish  the  whole  right-of-way  through 
the  entire  city,  would  be  considered. 

A.  T.  &  S.  F.  DIRECTORS  MEET 
IN  BOSTON 

The  Directors  were  to  meet  in  Boston  on  De- 
cember 20th  when,  with  all  the  surveys  and  pro- 
files and  estimates  of  cost  before  them,  the  ques- 
tion of  location  was  to  be  decided.  Mr.  Strong 
and  Mr.  Robinson  were  to  be  with  them.  On 
the  afternoon  of  that  day  the  committee  received 
the  following  telegram: 

"Boston,  Mass.,  Dec.  20,  1886 
Col.  C.  E.  Carr  and  W.  S.  Gale. 

Mr.  Robinson  is  here  with  his  proposi- 
tion to  locate  our  Chicago  line  via  Gales- 

30 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

burg  provided  your  city  will  furnish  station 
grounds  and  right-of-way  through  your  city 
is  approved,  and  if  accepted  by  your  people 
our  line  will  go  through  Galeshurg.  A  line 
south  of  your  city  has  been  found  three 
miles  shorter  than  to  go  via  Galeshurg  and 
no  more  costly  in  construction  than  to  go  by 
Galeshurg.  We  must  have  the  aid  asked 
for.  The  matter  is  in  your  hands  for  twen- 
ty-four hours  from  three  p.  m.  to-day.  The 
lines  will  be  settled  before  Robinson  leaves 
here.    Answer. 

W.  B.  Strong" 

To  this  the  committee  immediately  replied 
by  telegraph  as  follows : 

"Galesburg,  III.,  Dec.  20th,  1886 

W.  B.  Strong, 

President  A.  T.  ^  S.  F.  R.  R.  Co, 
Boston,  Mass. 

We  understand  that  your  telegram  is 
based  upon  proposition  in  our  letter  to  Mr. 
Robinson  in  Chicago  Friday  which  he  as- 
sured us  would  be  entirely  satisfactory.  Are 
we  correct?     Guarantee  in  conformity  with 

31 


History  of  Bringing  the 

that  letter  now  being  circulated  and  signed 
by  responsible  parties  and  will  be  completed 
to-morrow.  How  shall  we  satisfy  you  by 
telegraph  of  this  fact? 

Clark  E.  Care 

W.  S.  Gale 

J.  T.  McKnight^' 

Mr.  Strong  replied  as  follows : 

"Boston,  Mass.,  Dec.  20,  1886 

To  C.  E.  Carr,  W.  S.  Gale  and  J.  T.  Mc- 
Knight,  Galeshurg,  III. 

My  telegram  to  you  this  date  covers  the 
proposition  made  by  Robinson  to  your  peo- 
ple. I  referred  to  that  and  not  to  your 
proposition  by  letter  to  him  at  Chicago. 
With  the  latter  I  am  not  satisfied.  Please 
wire  me  your  conclusion. 

W.  B.  Strong" 

The  committee  saw  that  an  absolute  guar- 
antee of  all  the  right-of-way  through  the  city, 
depot  grounds  and  20  acres  of  land  must  be  pro- 
vided for.    There  was  no  other  alternative. 


32 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

They  at  once  prepared  to  get  together  a  suffi- 
cient number  of  responsible  men  to  make  a  sat- 
isfactory bond.  A  list  of  names  was  made  up  of 
responsible  men  whom  it  was  thought  might  be 
persuaded  to  join  together  in  making  the  bond. 
The  amount  it  would  cost  had  been  estimated  as 
nearly  as  possible,  but  it  was  still,  to  a  great  de- 
gree, a  matter  of  conjecture.  It  was  then  sup- 
posed that  the  line  would  go  directly  east  from 
where  Kellogg  street  crosses  North  street,  tak- 
ing in  valuable  lots  already  built  upon.  The 
cost  was  variously  estimated  at  from  sixty  to  a 
hundred  thousand  dollars.  It  was  certain  that 
no  one  would  be  willing  to  sign  the  bond  unless 
there  were  enough  names  to  divde  the  respon- 
sibility. 

A  note  was  prepared  and  sent  to  sixty  of  the 
most  responsible  and  public  spirited  men  of  the 
city,  of  which  the  following  is  a  copy: 

"Galesburg,  III.,  Dec.  20,  1886 

M 

Dear  Sir:  You  are  especially  solicited  to 
meet  us  privately  and  confidentially  at  the  coun- 

83 


History  of  Bringing  the 

ty  court  room,  on  the  second  floor  of  the  new 
court  house,  on  to-morrow  (Tuesday)  morning, 
the  21st  instant,  at  precisely  10  o'clock,  to  con- 
sider questions  of  supreme  importance  relating 
to  the  location  of  the  Santa  Fe  Railroad  through 
this  city.  We  have  some  statements  to  make  in 
regard  to  the  matter  which,  while  certain  impor- 
tant issues  are  pending,  we  do  not  think  it  ad- 
visable to  make  public  until  they  have  been  laid 
before  those  who,  with  yourself,  will  be  invited. 
Knowing  that  you  are  deeply  interested  in 
this  matter  we  feel  confident  that,  in  this  crisis, 
you  will  allow  no  business  or  engagement  to  de- 
ter you  from  being  present  promptly  at  the  time 
appointed. 

Very  truly  yours, 
W.  S.  Gale 
Clark  E.  Carr 
J.  T.  McKnight 
E.  P.  Williams 
A.  C.  Clay 

Committee" 

In  the  evening  the  committee  met  at  the  law 
office  of  Williams,  Lawrence  and  Bancroft, 
where  they  spent  most  of  the  night  considering 

34 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galesburg 

plans  for  the  meeting  on  the  next  day,  while  the 
attorneys  were  preparing  the  guarantee  for  sig- 
nature which  when  completed  and  typewritten 
read  as  follows,  and  was  finally  signed  by  the 
persons  whose  names  appear  following  it. 

The  names  of  those  who  thus  obligated  them- 
selves to  carry  out  this  undertaking  are  given  in 
full.  This  guarantee  and  also  the  names  of  the 
subscribers  who  furnished  the  money,  and  the 
amount  each  paid,  are  given  in  full.  These  lists 
of  names  must  be  always  regarded  by  the  people 
of  Galesburg  as  rolls  of  honor. 

THE  GUARANTEE 

We,  the  undersigned,  promise  and  agree  to 
and  with  the  Chicago,  Santa  Fe  &  California 
Railroad  Company  that,  in  consideration  of  the 
Agreement  of  said  Company  to  locate  and  con- 
struct the  main  line  of  its  railroad  through  the 
city  of  Galesburg,  Knox  County,  Illinois,  upon 
or  near  the  line  proposed  by  Mr.  A.  A.  Robin- 
son, we  will  without  delay  procure  for  the  said 
company  suitable  depot  grounds,  yard  grounds 
and  switching  grounds  to  the  extent  of  twenty 

35 


History  of  Bringing  the 

acres  at  least,  west  of  Broad  street  in  the  locality 
proposed  by  Mr.  A.  A.  Robinson  to  the  Citizens' 
Committee;  and  also  will  procure  the  right-of- 
way  along  said  line  through  said  city.  And  as 
to  any  portion  of  said  premises  or  of  said  right- 
of-way  which  we  may  fail  to  procure,  we  will 
pay  to  said  Company  the  cost  of  procuring  the 
same  by  condemnation. 

Witness  our  hands  and  seals  at  Galesburg, 
Illinois,  this  Twenty-first  day  of  December,  A. 
D.  1886. 

NAMES  OF  THE  SIGNERS  OF  THE 
GUARANTEE  BOND 

H.  M.  and  W.  P.  Sisson 

B.  F.  Arnold 

W.  W.  Washburn 

G.  V.  Deitrich 

Chas.  A.  Webster 

E.  L.  Conger 

Albert  J.  Perry 

I.  R.  Greene 

J.  F.  Anderson 

Olaf  Hawkinson 

Nels  M.  Burgland 


Santa  Fe  Railtiay  to  Galeshurg 

J.  H.  Barton 
S.  H.  Olson 
Robert  Chappell 
J.  F.  Stetson 
Timothy  Mosier 
Frans.  Colton 
T.  Judson  Hale 
Gas  &  Electric  Co., 

by  J.  K.  Mitchell,  Secy. 
A.  R.  Green 
F.  O.  Crocker 
Thos.  Harrison 
Joseph  Thirlwell 
J.  T.  McKnight 
Clark  E.  Carr 

F.  Fuller 

J.  L.  Burkhalter 
Josiah  Babcock 

G.  D.  Crocker 
G.  W.  Foote 
James  O'Connor 
J.  R.  Gordon 
Miron  Rhodes 
A.  C.  Higgins 
A.  C.  Clay 

C.  E.  Lanstrum 


37 


History  of  Bringing  the 


M.  O'Connor 
H.  L.  May 
Hiram  Johnson 
J.  W.  Dietreich 
Hiram  Mars 
Chas.  Johnson 
J.  G.  Vivion 

D.  C.  Raymond 
A.  S.  Hoover 
John  Kemper 
Josiah  Tilden 
A.  Jaeobi 

C.  C.  Merrill 
Geo.  W.  Brown 
J.  B.  Boggs 
Geo.  C.  Leseher 
Geo.  Ekins 
M.  L.  Overstreet 
Max  J.  Mack 
Lambert  Stansbury 
Chas.  Waste 
J.  W.  Hammond 
Loren  Stevens 
P.  M.  Johnson 

E.  P.  Williams 
A.  W.  Berggren 


38 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

A.  A.  Matteson 
John  W.  George 

E.  A.  Bancroft 
N.  C.  Woods 
W.  Selden  Gale 
S.  H.  McOmber 
M.  J.  Daugherty 
S.  C.  Wood 
Jonas  A.  Johnson 
C.  H.  Trask 

L.  T.  Stone 
G.  A.  Murdoch 
M.  N.  Hurd 
Sol  Frolich 
J.  H.  Losey 
J.  A.  McKenzie 
Andrew  Harrington 
G.  L.  Arnold 
Hy.  Biderman 
T.  W.  Peterson 
Fletcher  Carney 
M.  T.  Perrin 
L.  A.  Greenwood 
Fred  R.  Jelliff 
John  Hurley 

F.  R.  Swanson 


39 


History  of  Bringing  the 


N.  O.  G.  Johnson 
T.  R.  Willard 
S.  W.  May 
D.  W.  Flynn 
Edward  Taylor 
Robert  Mackay 
P.  F.  Brown 
D.  W.  Bunker 

C.  L.  Hedell 
N.  J.  Oleen 
Nick  Brechwald 
W.  C.  Calkins 
Chas.  O.  Lewis 
J.  C.  Stevens 
J.  Kraft 

Z.  Beatty 
J.  G.  Dietreich 
John  C.  Fahnestock 
A.  J.  Shaw 

D,  Greenleaf 
R.  W.  Hunt 
Thos.  Barer 
Timothy  Nash 
A.  G.  Dow 

J.  A.  Walberg 
D.  B.  Simmons 


40 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

C.  A.  Webster 
John  Clarkson 
Hubert  Juan 
J.  E.  Cowan 
Willis  E.  Terry 
M.  Norton 
H.  W.  Snyder 
G.  Hawkinson 
George  W.  Prince 
Nels  Nelson 
Harry  Dunbar 
Daniel  Fletcher 
S.  Spear 
Joseph  Hoover 
F.  H.  Rearick 
F.  Brechwald 

Such  was  the  interest  that  on  Tuesday  morn- 
ing those  who  had  been  invited  were  present  in 
the  county  court  room  at  the  appointed  time  and 
at  precisely  10  o'clock  the  meeting  was  organ- 
ized by  the  appointment  of  Mr.  J.  T.  McKnight 
as  chairman. 

It  can  scarcely  be  said  that  any  speeches  were 
made.  There  was  too  deep  an  interest  for  speech- 

41 


History  of  Bringing  the 

es.  The  men  were  assembled  to  act  and  to  do, 
rather  than  to  make  or  listen  to  speeches. 

Colonel  Carr  read  the  telegrams  from  Pres- 
ident Strong,  received  on  the  afternoon  before, 
which  showed  that  by  signing  the  guarantee  al- 
ready prepared  and  spread  out  upon  the  table, 
the  road  could  be  secured.  He  said  that  the  di- 
rectors of  the  Santa  Fe  were  at  that  moment 
assembled  in  Boston  and  that  the  president  of 
the  board,  Mr.  Strong,  was  awaiting  our  deci- 
sion, that  it  was  impossible  to  determine  how 
much  the  grounds  and  right-of-way  might  cost. 
It  had  been  estimated  at  from  sixty  to  one  hun- 
dred thousand  dollars;  that  such  men  had  been 
called  together  as  was  believed  were  willing  to 
assume  the  responsibility,  if  so  divided  that  it 
would  not  rest  too  heavily  upon  any  one;  that 
the  future  of  Galesburg  was  in  their  hands  and 
would  be  decided  at  that  meeting. 

Mr.  Gale  followed  with  a  clear  and  terse 
statement  of  the  situation.  He  said  that  we  had 
been  working  for  a  new  railroad  for  twenty-five 
years  and  this  was  the  first  time  that  one  had 

42 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

come  within  our  reach.  He  said  that  the  Santa 
Fe  would  be  worth  more  to  the  city  than  any  line 
of  road  that  there  had  ever  been  any  possibility 
of  our  getting  and  explained  why  the  committee 
had  called  these  gentlemen  together.  He  showed 
that  if  we  all  signed  the  guarantee  there  would  be 
no  possibility  of  its  seriously  embarrassing  any 
of  the  guarantors. 

Colonel  T.  J.  Hale  put  sev^eral  questions  to 
the  members  of  the  committee  to  find  out  the 
exact  situation. 

Mr.  B.  F.  Arnold  spoke  in  favor  of  signing 
the  bond.  Hon.  Francis  Colton  stated  that  he 
had  come  there  prepared  to  sign  the  bond.  Hon. 
George  W.  Brown  and  Timothy  Mosier,  E.  P. 
Williams  and  others  declared  that  they  were 
ready  to  sign.  Finally  Col.  T.  J.  Hale  arose 
and  declared  that  this  was  not  a  time  for  talk, 
but  for  action,  and  moved  that  the  meeting  ap- 
prove by  a  rising  vote  the  granting  of  depot 
grounds  and  the  right-of-way.  The  chairman 
put  the  motion.  All  save  one  arose.  The  one 
who  did  not  rise,  while  he  would  not  sign  the 


History  of  Bringing  the 

bond,  made  a  liberal  subscription  to  raise  the 
money.  Col.  Carr  shouted,  "Gentlemen,  the 
Atchison,  Topeka  &  Santa  Fe  will  come  to  Gales- 
burg,"  amid  cheers.  It  took  but  a  few  minutes 
for  the  gentlemen  to  come  forward  and  sign  the 
bond.  The  Republican-Register  of  that  even- 
ing, in  describing  the  meeting,  spoke  of  it  as  "a 
historic  meeting,"  said  "that  it  was  evident  dur- 
ing its  deliberations  that  a  great  load  of  anxiety 
was  resting  on  the  committee.  The  members  of 
the  committee  knew  that  success  depended  upon 
securing  signers  to  the  guarantee,  and  there  was 
a  fear  that  there  might  be  hesitation  and  back- 
wardness in  signing  so  responsible  a  paper." 
"There  was  dread  lest  some  one  should  express 
a  sentiment  against  the  signing,"  that  the  ex- 
pression of  so  many  that  they  would  sign  the 
bond  by  rising  was  "an  inspiring  sight,"  that  then 
"despondency  took  wings."  "The  crisis  was 
passed.  There  was  handshaking  and  congratu- 
lations. The  victory  was  won  and  the  historic 
meeting  will  go  down  as  marking  an  epoch  in 

44 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

Galesburg's  history."    At  12  o'clock  (noon)  the 
committee  wired  Mr.  Strong  as  follows : 

TELEGRAM  TO  PRES.  STRONG 

ANNOUNCING 

THE  EXECUTION  OF  THE 

GUARANTEE  BOND 

"Gajlesburg,  III.,  Dec.  21st,  1886 

To  W.  B.  Strong,  President  A.T.&^S.F. 
By.  Co.,  Milk  St.,  Boston,  Mass. 

Absolute  and  unconditional  guarantee 
according  to  the  terms  of  your  last  tele- 
gram, pledging  depot  and  yard  grounds  of 
at  least  twenty  (20)  acres  and  full  right-of- 
way  entirely  through  this  city  upon  locali- 
ties indicated  by  Mr.  Robinson  has  been 
signed  by  over  fifty  prominent  citizens  re- 
sponsible for  two  million  dollars  and  is  in 
our  hands.  We  accept  your  proposition. 
Please  wire  answer. 

Clark  E.  Carr 

W.  S.  Gale 

J.  T.  McKnight^' 


45 


History  of  Bringing  the 

REPLY  OF  PRESIDENT  STRONG 

At  half  past  three,  p.  m.  the  following  tele- 
gram was  received  from  President  Strong: 

"Boston,  Mass.,  Dec.  21,  1886 

To  C.  E.  Carr,  W.  S.  Gale,  J.  T.  McKnight, 
Committee. 

Your  telegram  received  and  as  I  under- 
stand it  will  be  satisfactory.  Have  directed 
Mr.  Robinson  to  have  the  matter  put  in 
proper  shape  and  then  proceed  with  loca- 
tion accordingly.  W.  B.  Strong'' 

This  telegram  from  President  Strong  was 
published  in  the  Republican-Register  that  even- 
ing. 

The  question  was  settled.  The  location  of 
the  Santa  Fe  through  Galesburg  was  secured. 
December  21st,  1886,  will  ever  be  remembered 
as  a  red  letter  day  in  the  history  of  the  city. 

SUBSCRIPTIONS  TO  THE  FUND 

The  subscriptions  continued  to  be  circulated 
through  the  city  and  $64,243.55  was  raised.    To 

46 


J.  T.   MtKNUiHT 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

these  subscriptions,  there  were  495  names.  The 
subscriptions  ranged  from  $5.00  to  $2,000.00. 
There  was  scarcely  a  person  in  the  city  who  was 
able  to  give  who  did  not  give,  and  several  per- 
sons who  had  moved  away  made  contributions. 
The  guarantee  and  subscriptions  were  made  to 
the  "Chicago,  Santa  Fe  and  California  Railway 
Company,"  the  then  corporate  name  of  the  Illi- 
nois Division. 

It  was  now  necessary  to  proceed  and  collect 
the  money  and  to  buy  the  land  to  be  donated  to 
the  railway  company  and  right-of-way.  In  order 
to  secure  right-of-way  it  was  necessary,  in  several 
cases,  to  buy  lots,  move  houses  and  afterwards 
dispose  of  the  portions  of  lots  not  used.  This 
involved  a  great  deal  of  labor,  which  continued 
for  nearly  three  years  and  was  not  finally  com- 
pleted until  in  May,  1889. 

J.  T.  Mcknight  and 

ASA  A.  MATTESON 

For  this  work  the  committee  was  fortunate  in 
being  able  to  place  it  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  J.  T. 

47 


History  of  Bringing  the 

McKnight  and  Mr.  Asa  A.  Matteson,  who  de- 
voted themselves  to  it  with  earnestness  and  en- 
ergy. Mr.  Matteson  kept  the  accounts  which 
are  preserved  in  his  handwriting.  There  is  an 
entry  for  each  subscriber,  with  the  amount  sub- 
scribed and  paid  and  a  faithful  account  of  all  the 
expenses  and  business  transactions.  When  the 
books  were  closed  it  was  found  that,  after  pay- 
ing all  expenses,  there  was  still  on  hand  $2,451.41 
which  was  divided  pro  rata  among  the  subscrib- 
ers according  to  the  amount  contributed,  each 
receiving  in  return  four  and  one-half  per  cent, 
upon  the  amount  he  had  donated.  Mr.  Mc- 
Knight and  Mr.  Matteson  have  both  gone  to 
their  reward,  but  the  people  of  Galesburg  should 
ever  hold  them  in  grateful  remembrance  for  their 
faithful  and  conscientious  services  in  this  work. 
The  president  of  the  Chicago,  Santa  Fe  and 
California,  the  name  of  the  Illinois  division,  who 
had  now  become  solicitor  of  the  Atchison,  To- 
peka  &  Santa  Fe,  wrote  to  the  committee  as  fol- 
lows: 


48 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

OFFICIAL  LETTER 

HIGHLY  COMMENDING  THE 

ACTION  OF  THE  CITIZENS 

OF  GALESBURG 

''Chicago,  Jan.  30th,  1889 

To  the  Citizens'  Committee  of  the  City  of 
Galeshurg ,  III. 

Gentlemen  : 

By  direction  of  Vice  President  Robin- 
son I  have  to  say  that  the  agreement  of  the 
citizens  of  Galeshurg  to  furnish  this  com- 
pany right-of-way  and  station  grounds  in 
the  city  have  been  strictly  and  fully  per- 
formed. I  take  pleasure  in  expressing  the 
recognition  by  the  officers  of  the  company 
of  the  fair  and  honorable  spirit  which  has 
been  displayed  throughout  this  entire  trans- 
action; a  spirit  which  I  feel  sure  will  con- 
tinue to  characterize  all  the  relations  be- 
tween this  company  and  the  citizens  of 
Galeshurg. 

Yours  very  respectfully, 

Norman  Williams 

Solicitor" 


49 


History  of  Bringing  the 

LIST  OF  THE   SUBSCRIBERS   TO 
THE  RIGHT  -  OF  -  WAY  FUND 

WITH   THE  AMOUNT   EACH   PAID 
AND     THE     AMOUNT     RE- 
TURNED TO  HIM 

SUBSCRIPTIONS 

AMOUNT  REBATE 

NAMES                                                                                      SUBSCBIBED  RETURNED 

Anthony,  N $1000.00  $45.00 

Adams  &  Johnson 500.00  22.50 

Adams,  E.  R.  Est 500.00  22.50 

Arnold,  B.  F 100.00  4.50 

Aldrich  &  Wilson 75.00  3.37 

Anderson,  Olof  25.00  1.12 

Anderson,  A.  P 100.00  4.50 

Anderson,  Swan  50.00  2.25 

Allen,  Ira  5.00  .     .22 

Arnold,  G.  L 100.00  4.50 

Armstrong,  Mrs.  J.  K 50.00  2.25 

Aiken,  E.  D 100.00  4.50 

Arnold,  S.  M 25.00  1.12 

Allen,  C.  E 25.00  1.12 

Avery  Bros.  &  B.  Co 250.00  11.25 

Allen,  A.  H 18.75 

Abramson,  Aug 5.00  .22 

Akeyson,  John 20.00  .90 

Algreen,  Chas 10.00  .45 

50 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

AMOUNT  REBATE 

NAMES  SUBSCRIBED  RETURNED 

Anderson,  John  5.00  .22 

Anderson,  Wm.  E 10.00  .45 

Anderson,  A 6.00 

Allen,  S.  0 25.00  1.12 

Anderson,  J.  F.  &  Co 200.00  9.00 

Alten,  Ben  50.00  2.25 

Anderson  Bros 25.00  1.12 

Becker,  John  50.00  2.25 

Breed,  G 50.00  2.25 

Borg,  John 25.00 

Backman,  C.  A 50.00  2.25 

Brooks,  Geo.  A 10.00  .45 

Burgland,  Henry  P 50.00  2.25 

Brown,  Sam'l  25.00  1.12 

Brechwald,  N.  F 400.00  18.00 

Brown,  G.  W.  &  Co 2000.00  90.00 

Babcock,  J 600.00  27.00 

Berggren  &  Lundeen 250.00  11.25 

Bandy,  Wilson 100.00  4.50 

Burgland  &  Johnson 250.00  11.25 

Benner,  E 250.00  11.25 

Boyer,  A 150.00  6.75 

Barnard,  L.  E '. 30.00  1.35 

Burgland,  L 25.00  1.12 

Bliss,  H.  C 10.00  .45 

51 


History  of  Bringing  the 

AMOUNT  REBATE 

NAMES  SUBSCRIBED  RETUHNED 

Bruington  &  Anderson 10.00  .45 

Bancroft,  E.  A 200.00  9.00 

Barton,   I.  H 200.00  9.00 

Barrer,  Thos 100.00  4.50 

Bunker,  D.  W 100.00  4.50 

Barnstead,  W.  J 100.00  4.50 

Brown,  P.  F 50.00  2.25 

Boggs,  J.  B 50.00  2.25 

Bollenbach,  Peter 50.00  2.25 

Barnett,  J.  A 5.00  .22 

Barden,  J.  M 50.00  2.25 

Brown,  Zack 5.00  .22 

Bruner,  Marshal  25.00  1.12 

Bloomquist,  Fred 20.00  .90 

Bradshaw,  J.  W 20.00  .90 

Babcock,   W.   W 25.00  1.12 

Babcock,  J.  Jr 10.00  .45 

Biedeman,  Henry  50.00  2.25 

Burns,  Edward  25.00  1.12 

Burkhalter,  J.  L 100.00  4.50 

Browning,  W.  H 200.00  9.00 

Burklialter,  John  A 10.00  .45 

Bartlett  &  Judson 300.00  13.50 

Bigelow,  W.  H 25.00  1.12 

Bogue  &  Co.,  C.  H 500.00  22.50 

62 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

AMOUNT  EEBATE 

NAME8                                                                                      StTBSCKIBED  RETUHNED 

Brooks  &  Ostrander 200.00  9.00 

Bancroft  &  Swanson 100.00  4.50 

Colton,  C.  S.  Est 2000.00  90.00 

Crocker,  G.  D 505.00  22.50 

Carr,  Clark  E 750.00  33.75 

Craig,  A.  M 1000.00  45.00 

Colton,  G.  D.  &  Co 500.00  22.50 

Chambers,  J.  S 50.00  2.25 

College  City  Shirt  Co 25.00  1.12 

Conley,  L.  G 25.00  1.12 

Colville,  J.  M 25.00  1.12 

Churchm  &  Wetherbee 100.00  4.50 

Carr,  M.  S 200.00  9.00 

Case,  F.  H 100.00  4.50 

Cargill,  Henry 100.00  4.50 

Calkins,  W.  C 75.00  3.37 

Clark,  A.  B 50.00  2.25 

Charlson  &  Johnson 50.00  2.25 

Carlson,  Olof  15.00  .67 

Chapman,  Geo.  H 50.00  2.25 

Cowan,  J.  E 75.00  3.37 

Colville  Bros 50.00  2.25 

Chapman,  J.  P 25.00  1.12 

Cowman,  H.  W 25.00  1.12 

Calkins,  J.  H 25.00  1.12 

53 


History  of  Bringing  the 

AMOUNT  REBATE 

NAMES  SUBSCRIBED  RETURNED 

Chase,  H.  M 25.00  1.12 

Callender,  Jas 25.00  1.12 

Carney,  Fletcher  25.00  1.12 

Cooke,  M.  D 25.00  1.12 

Carney,  E.  J 5.00 

Camp,  L.  A 50.00  2.25 

Cooper,  E.  S 25.00  1.12 

C.  C.  St.  Ry.  Co 100.00  4.50 

Clayton,  Geo.  S 25.00  1.12 

Chase,  M.  J 200.00  9.00 

Clarkson,  J.  &  Co 100.00  4.50 

Carey,  Francis 50.00  2.25 

Cox,  R.  S 500.00  22.50 

Crocker,  F.  0 100.00  4.50 

Challis  &  Anderson 100.00  4.50 

Conger,  E.  L 100.00  4.50 

Cliff,  Thos 25.00  1.12 

Cater,  E.  B 25.00  1.12 

Cone,  T.  S 10.00  .45 

Charlson,  Geo 10.00  .45 

Carlson,  C.  J.  B 5.00  .22 

Charlson,  Mons  5.00  .22 

Canfield,  J.  R 1.00 

Collins,  W.  H 2.00 

Cater,  J.  D 10.00  .45 

64 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

AMOUNT  REBATE 

NAMES  StTBSCRIBED  RETURXED 

Collins,  A 25.00  1.12 

Churchill,  Geo 50.00  2.25 

Deiterich,  J.  W 250.00  11.25 

Dunbar,  Harry  100.00  4.50 

Dow  &  Son 125.00  5.62 

Davis,  Wm 50.00  2.25 

DePew,  T.  0 25.00  1.12 

Davis,  J.  A.  W 150.00  6.75 

DeGrummond,  J.  J 25.00  1.12 

Davis,   Geo 25.00  1.12 

Dunn,  Chas.  W 5.00  .22 

Dieterich,  G.  V 250.00  11.25 

Duerson,  A.  L 20.00  .90 

Dunn,  E.  M 50.00  2.25 

Davidson,  W.  H 25.00  1.12 

Danforth,  L.  F 25.00  1.12 

Davis,  Ben  C 50.00  2.25 

DeLong,  P.  M 25.00  1.12 

Ekins  &  Clark 50.00  2.25 

Engstrand,  N.  J 25.00  1.12 

Epsteiner,  M 50.00  2.25 

Edvall,  F.  0 50.00  2.25 

Envall,  John  25.00  1.12 

Eckwall,  J.  W 10.00  .45 

Engberg,  Chas 5.00  .22 

65 


History  of  Bringing  the 

AMOUNT  REBATE 

NAMES  8UBSCHIBED  RETURNED 

Eckwall,  C.  F 10.00  .45 

Ericson,  Chas.  A 50.00 

Frohlich,  Gardt  &  Co 500.00  22.50 

Frost  Mfg.  Co 500.00  22.50 

Fuller,  Francis 250.00  11.25 

Fahnestock,  J.  C 250.00  11.25 

Frost,  J.  E 250.00  11.25 

Farrell  &  Mears 100.00  4.50 

Fletcher,   S 100.00  4.50 

Felt,  C.  M 100.00  4.50 

Friedberg,  Sam  50.00  2.25 

Fuller,  Erastus 50.00  2.25 

Fleharty,  R.  E 10.00  .45 

Freer,  F.  A 25.00  1.12 

Field,  Mrs.  L.  C 25.00  1.12 

Felt,  Geo.  A 25.00  1.12 

Felt,  E.  A 25.00  1.12 

Felt,  Albert  50.00  2.25 

Flynn,  Dan  150.00  6.75 

Felt,  A.  V 25.00  1.12 

Faulks,  Geo.  K 5.00  .22 

Form,  P.  N 5.00  .22 

Flynn,  John  C 50.00  2.25 

Frey,  John  100.00  4.50 

Foote,   G.  W 100.00  4.50 

56 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

AMOUNT  REBATE 

NAMES  SUBSCRIBED  RETURNED 

Frisbie,  D.  H 250.00  11.25 

Ferris,  S.  H 500.00  22.50 

Gas  &  Electric  Co 1000.00  45.00 

Greenleaf,  D 100.00  4.50 

Gordon,  J.  R 250.00  11.25 

Greene,  I.  R 350.00  15.75 

Grant,  Chas.  E 250.00  11.25 

George,  John  W 100.00  4.50 

Greene,  A.  R 150.00  6.75 

Galesburg  Printing  Co 100.00  4.50 

Gale,  Josiah  200.00  9.00 

Galesburg  Com.  Union 100.00  4.50 

Geyer,  Gust  50.00  2.25 

Greene,  E.  F 50.00  2.25 

Greenwood,  L.  A 50.00  2.25 

Gay,  M.  W 250.00  11.25 

Griffith,  Morris  10.00 

Geer,  John  C 10.00  .45 

Gray  Brothers  200.00  9.00 

Gordon,  John  H 25.00  1.12 

Granville,  P.  N 10.00  .45 

Green,  E.  F 50.00  2.25 

Hoffman  Bros 10.00  .45 

Holland,  J.  B 100.00  4.50 

Henderson,  Gust  50.00  2.25 

67 


History  of  Bringing  the 

AMOUNT  REBATE 

NAMES  SUBSCRIBED  RETURNED 

Hedgepeth,  H.  S 25.00  1.12 

Hurd,  H.  S 200.00  9.00 

Holmes,  Fred  H 25.00  1.12 

Hawkinson,  Olof 200.00  9.00 

Hastings,  Jay  L 25.00  1.12 

Hoover,  A.  S 300.00  13.50 

Harrison,  Thos 100.00  4.50 

Holmes  &  Scott 100.00  4.50 

Hedell,  C.  L 50.00 

Hinckley,  C.  A 50.00  2.25 

Hopper,  Dr.  H.  C 25.00  1.12 

Hogan,  Thos 25.00  1.12 

Harris,  Chas.  S 10.00  .45 

Howarth,  J.  M 25.00  1.12 

Hawkinson,  Mons  25.00  1.12 

Hurd  &  Mackay 100.00  4.50 

Hawkinson,  Gust 100.00  4.50 

Hubbard,  A.  M 50.00  2.25 

Hoover,  Joseph  50.00  2.25 

Hollis,  J.  C 50.00  2.25 

Hunt,  Jabez,  C 25.00  1.12 

Hoover,  G.  P 25.00  1.12 

Holcomb,  B.  F 25.00  1.12 

Hurd,  Prof.  A 25.00  1.12 

Holmes,  J.  S 25.00  1.12 

68 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

AMOUNT  REBATE 

NAMES  8tJB8CRIBED  RETURNED 

Horton  &  Hubbell 100.00  4.50 

Hoover,  B.  F 25.00  1.12 

Hunt,  R.  W 100.00  4.50 

Higgins,  Ad  P 50.00  2.25 

Henshaw,  D 10.00  .45 

Hakensen,  Haken  B 25.00  1.12 

Hogg,  Thos 10.00  .45 

Hurley,  John  100.00  4.50 

HUl,  A.  M 25.00  1.12 

Hoffland  &  Peterson 100.00  4.50 

Higgins,  A.  C 500.00  22.50 

Hale,  T.  Judson 500.00  22.50 

Hoover,  C.  H 100.00  4.50 

Hoffheimer,  S.  G 100.00  4.50 

Hammond,  J.  W 50.00  2.25 

Hamblin,  D.  W 50.00  2.25 

Irwin,  John  N 50.00  2.25 

Johnson,  O.  T.  &  Co 1500.00  67.50 

Jacobi  &  Mack 300.00  13.50 

Johnson,  Nels 100.00  4.50 

Johnson,  Chas.  A 20.00  .90 

Johnson,  John  50.00  2.25 

Johnson,  John  P 10.00  .45 

Johnson,  C.  J 10.00  .45 

Johnson,  Jonas  A 15.00  .67 

69 


History  of  Bringing  the 

AMOUNT  REBATE 

NAMES  SUBSCRIBED  EETUHNED 

Johnston,  A.  G 5.00  .22 

Jelliff,  Fred  R 50.00  2.25 

Johnson,  J.  W 5.00  .22 

Johnson,  Frank  P 1.00 

Johnson,  N.  O.  G 100.00  4.50 

Jiidd,  Herbert  200.00  9.00 

Johnson,  J.  F 22.50 

Johnson,  Chas 50.00  2.25 

Johnston,  John 500.00  22.50 

Kemper,  John  350.00  15.75 

Kiernan,  Wm.  H 25.00  1.12 

Kiernan,  Thos 25.00  1.12 

Kitchell,  Mrs.  M.  J 100.00  4.50 

Kraft  &  C.  Dying  Co 100.00  4.50 

Kraft,  Julius  100.00  4.50 

Kingsberj^  &  Fisher 50.00  2.25 

Kenfield,  Sarah  50.00  2.25 

Knowles,  N.  A 6.25 

Kistler,  B.  F 75.00  3.37 

Lombard,  Benj 500.00  22.50 

Lescher,  Geo.  C 300.00  13.50 

Latterner,  Dan 20.00  .90 

Livingstone,  Mrs.  L.  A 15.00  .67 

Lewis,  Andrew  15.00  .67 

Lewis,  Zepha  200.00 

60 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

AMOUNT  BEBATE 

NAMES                                                                                      SUBSCRIBED  EETUKNED 

Lass,  L.  &  L 150.00  6.75 

Lawrence,  Geo.  A 100.00  4.50 

Losey,  J.  H 50.00  2.25 

Linquist,  Fred  50.00  2.25 

Lambert,  L.  S 50.00  2.25 

Linquist,  C.  J 10.00  .45 

Linberg,  A.  R.  E 25.00  1.12 

Larson,  Vidor 5.00  .22 

Lindthom,  C.  A 10.00  .45 

Lagomarcine,  P 10.00  .45 

Larson,  Chas.  1 5.00  .22 

Leidy,  J.  C 10.00  .45 

Lanstrom,  Andrew  F 5.00  .22 

Lanstrom,  Andrew  5.00  .22 

Leaf  green,  John  M 1.00 

Larson,  S.  J 1.00 

Linn,  C.  A 10.00  .45 

Lind,  Peter 5.00  .22 

Lynderson,  Frank 5.00  .22 

Lawrence,  Mrs.  C.  B 250.00  11.25 

Larson,  W.  C 25.00  1.12 

McKnight,  J.  T 500.00  22.50 

Moshier,  T 1000.00  45.00 

Mathews,  Mrs.  C.  H 1000.00  45.00 

Marsh,  Leroy 500.00  22.50 

61 


History  of  Bringing  the 

AMOUNT  REBATE 

NAMES  SUBSCRIBED  HETURNED 

May,  H.  L 250.00  11.25 

Matteson,  A.  A 250.00  11.25 

Merrill  &  Co.,  C.  C 250.00  11.25 

Morse,  Mrs.  Sarah 200.00  9.00 

Murdoch,  G.  A 250.00  11.25 

McKenzie,  J.  A 200.00  9.00 

McOmber,  S.  H 100.00  4.50 

McLaughlm,  C.  A 100.00  4.50 

Morley,  D 50.00  2.25 

MeKee,  Thos 50.00  2.25 

Moore,  John 100.00  4.50 

Moulton,  A.  B 50.00  2.25 

Mimsell,  J.  W 39.00 

McGirr,  T.  L 10.00  .45 

Mead,  Seth  W 25.00  1.12 

Murphy,  H.  N 10.00  .45 

Miller,  W.  G 10.00  .45 

Murphy,  C.  N 5.00  .22 

Miller,  P.  P 5.00  .22 

Mayer,  Henry  150.00  6.75 

Mars,  Hiram  200.00  9.00 

Merritt,  Betty  H 25.00  1.12 

Malick,  John  A 20.00  .90 

Milton,  E.  W 6.00 

Melquist,  John  A 10.00  .45 

Marston,   Thomas   estate  united  in  subscription  with  T. 
R.  Willard. 

62 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

ASIOUNT  REBATE 

NAMES  SUBSCRIBED  RETURKED 

Morton,  R.  L 25.00  1.12 

Martin,  T.  B 50.00  2.25 

Milin,  J 25.00  1.12 

Miles,  Henry  25.00  1.12 

Nelson,  Abm 200.00  9.00 

Norton,  Isaac  P 125.00  5.62 

Nelson,  Peter 100.00 

Nelson,  Nels 75.00  3.37 

Nelson,  Nils  25.00  1.12 

Nims,  O.  H 25.00  1.12 

Nelson,  N.  P 50.00  2.25 

Norine  &  Linquist 25.00  1.12 

Noble,  Mark 100.00  4.50 

Nash,  Timothy 250.00  11.25 

Nelson,  W.  0 10.00  .45 

Nystrom,  S.  Willy 5.00  .22 

Nelson,  Andrew 35.00 

Neijund, 10.00  .45 

Neeley,  C.  R 10.00  .45 

O'Connor,  M 500.00  22.50 

Olson,  S.  H 250.00  11.25 

Oleen  &  Peterson 100.00  4.50 

Overstreet,  M.  L 150.00  6.75 

Oldfather,  G.  W 50.00  2.25 

Olson,  S.  C 5.00  .22 

63 


History  of  Bringing  the 

AMOUNT  REBATE 

NAMES  SUBSCRIBED                   RETURNED 

Olmstead,  Emily  20.00  .90 

O'Connor,  James 200.00  9.00 

Olson,  Alfred  10.00  .45 

O'Neil,  Chas 15.00  .67 

Olson,  Nels 10.00  .45 

Ostrand,  John  F 8.00 

Peterson,  T.  W 250.00  11.25 

Peterson,  D.  L 100.00  4.50 

Parry,  Sam'l  J 150.00  6.75 

Peterson,  N 200.00  9.00 

Peterson,  C.  J 25.00  1.12 

Paden,  James 100.00  4.50 

Prince,  G.  W 100.00  4.50 

Phelps,  E.  F 100.00  4.50 

Peterson,  John 25.00 

Packard,  W.  L 10.00  .45 

Plaindealer  50.00  2.25 

Parker,  Isaac  A 25.00  1.12 

Phillips,  Dr.  E.  L 25.00  1.12 

Pichereau,  A.  P 25.00  1.12 

Parker,  H.  E 25.00  1.12 

Flecker,  W.  J 25.00  1.12 

Peterson,  Nels  M 5.00  .22 

Parsons,  Franklin  100.00  4.50 

Peterson,  Gust 20.00 

64 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

AMOUNT  REBATE 

NAMES  SUBSCRIBED  RETURNED 

Peterson,  A.  0 100.00  4.50 

Perrin,  M.  T 202.00  9.00 

Perrin,  Geo.  H.  &  Co 50.00  2.25 

Phillips,  W.  N 250.00  11.25 

Prentice,  Ralph  25.00  1.12 

Prentice,  Alice 25.00  1.12 

Peterson,  Allen  A 10.00  .45 

Pine,  Jos 50.00  2.25 

Perry,  A.  J 100.00  4.50 

Parker,  W.  C 50.00 

Post,  P.  S 50.00  2.25 

Peterson,  E.  J 100.00  4.50 

Perkins,  I.  S 50.00  2.25 

Rugar,  Mrs.  E.  A 50.00  2.25 

Robbins,  W.  A 250.00  11.25 

Robinson,  E.  E 25.00  1.12 

Ridley,  John 25.00  1.12 

Rearick,  F.  H 100.00  4.50 

Raymond  &  Son,  D.  C 100.00  4.50 

Roush  &  Co.,  Wm 100.00  4.50 

Rhodes,  Miron 100.00  4.50 

Redfield,  A.  C 100.00  4.50 

Richey,  James 50.00  2.25 

Redfield,  P.  S 10.00  .45 

Reynolds,  W.  H 250.00  11.25 

65 


History  of  Bringing  the 

AMOUNT  BEBATE 

NAMES  SUBSCRIBED  BETURNED 

Read,  Henry  W 10.00  .45 

Renstrom,  Jacob  A 10.00  .45 

Richards,  W.  B 200.00  9.00 

Stilson,  J.  F 600.00  27.00 

Seacord,  Fred 250.00  11.25 

Sisson,  H.  M.  &  W.  P 250.00  11.25 

Snyder  Bros 100.00  4.50 

Standish,  J.  V.  N 100.00  4.50 

Swanson,  Sam  R 100.00  4.50 

Selleck  Bros 50.00  2.25 

Steele,  W.  L 100.00  4.50 

Stone  &  Leonard 150.00  6.75 

Stansbury,  L 100.00  4.50 

Stevens,  Loren 100.00  4.50 

Stanton,  W.  F 100.00  4.50 

Stokes,  John  W 25.00 

Simmons,  D.  D 100.00  4.50 

Smollinger,  W.  H 25.00  1.12 

Sanborn,  Lake  W 100.00  4.50 

Stone,  E.  C 50.00  2.25 

Stickney,  Mrs.  E.  W 100.00  4.50 

Smith,  T.  E 100.00  4.50 

Stevens,  J.  C 25.00  1.12 

Swenson,  M.  P 25.00  1.12 

Swanson  &  Simons 25.00  1.12 

66 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

AMOUNT  REBATE 

NAMES  SUBSCRIBED  RETURNED 

Smith,  H.  C 25.00  1.12 

Stiickey,  S.  V 25.00  1.12 

Seastedt,  A 5.00  .22 

Swenson,  Andrew  5.00  .22 

Stephenson,  C.  G 5.00  .22 

Scott,  E.  S 100.00  4.50 

Scharps,  E 75.00  3.37 

Sqmres,  James 25.00  1.12 

Stromberg,  N.  0 40.00  1.80 

Salisbury,  W.  0 10.00  .45 

Stevens,  I.  R 50.00  2.25 

Strain  &  Drury 50.00  2.25 

Sohn,  Ed.  C 100.00  4.50 

Shultz  &  Gensert 40.00  1.80 

Soderberg,  Chas 10.00  .45 

Sandquist,   A 10.00  .45 

Swanson,  Peter  5.00  .22 

Stoner,  A.  R 25.00  1.12 

Shaw,  A.  J 50.00  2.25 

Spear,  S 200.00  9.00 

Scott,  Will  10.00  .45 

Swanson,  S.  W.  P 25.00  1.12 

Scripps,  W.  H 300.00 

Stuckey,  J.  A 50.00  2.25 

Smith,  Jno.  W 200.00  9.00 

67 


History  of  Bringing  the 

AMOUNT  EEBATE 

KAME8  SCBSCKIBED  RETUHNED 

Tunnicliff,  George 10.00  .45 

Tuveson,  Nels 10.00  .45 

Tunnicliff,  J.  J 100.00  4.50 

Trask,  C.  H 200.00  9.00 

Tierney,  P.  J 25.00  1.12 

Tyler,  E.  J 25.00  1.12 

Tilden,  Josiah 25.00  1.12 

Tryon,  Geo.  A 100.00  4.50 

Thorsen,  E.  J 25.00  1.12 

Tuvason,  Christ  10.00  .45 

Thirlwell,  Jos 250.00  11.25 

Thiilin,  T 5.00  .22 

Tibbets,  J.  D 25.00  1.12 

Taylor,  Ed 100.00  4.50 

Van  Schaack  &  Bellows 250.00  11.25 

Van  Lew  &  Morse 18.75 

Vittum,  F.  D 100.00  4.50 

Vivion,  J.  G 50.00  2.25 

Vanderwerker,  W.  N 75.00  3.37 

Verene,  Nels  J 10.00  .45 

Washburn,  W.  W 500.00  22.50 

Webster,  A 250.00  11.25 

Woodward,  H.  C 50.00  2.25 

Walberg  &  Erickson 100.00  4.50 

Walters,  John  75.00  3.87 

68 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

AMOUNT  REBATE 

NAMES  SUBSCRIBED  RETURNED 

Webster,  J.  E 50.00  2.25 

Windsor,  C.  A 50.00  2.25 

Wills,  P.  M 10.00  .45 

West,  Willard  25.00  1.12 

Weinman,  Fred 25.00  1.12 

Williamson,  M.  0 50.00  2.25 

Wallick,  J 25.00  1.12 

Waste,  Chas 100.00  4.50 

West,  Gust 10.00  .45 

Wood,  S.  C 100.00  4.50 

Williams,  A.  B 5.00  .22 

Willard,  T.  R 250.00  11.25 

Wiswell,  Wyram  200.00  9.00 

Williamson,  L.  0 250.00  11.25 

Wells,  J.  T.  &  F 50.00  2.25 

Willoughby,  F.  A 50.00  2.25 

Wilson,  John  25.00  1.12 

White,  Maurice  1.00 

Westerburg,  Axel  1.00 

Williams,  E.  P 100.00  4.50 

Webster,  C.  A 50.00  2.25 

Young,  N.  L 25.00  1.12 

Yager,  Joseph  10.00  .45 


69 


History  of  Bringing  the 

TWO  LETTERS  FROM  PRESIDENT 

W.  B.  STRONG,  OF  THE  A.  T.  & 

S.  F.  R.  R.  COMPANY 

"Partridge  Farm'^ 

Beloit,  Wis.,  Dec.  10,  '97 
My  Dear  Col.  Carr; 

Yours  of  Nov.  3rd  came  while  I  was  in 
Boston  visiting  my  daughter,  otherwise  it 
would  have  had  earlier  attention.  I  was  glad 
to  hear  from  you,  and  pleased  to  hear  of  Mrs. 
Gaytes.  We  were  sorry  to  have  her  sell  her 
pretty  home  here  and  leave  us.  Wherever 
she  may  reside  she  will  have  our  best  wishes. 

Touching  the  Santa  Fe  Chicago  line,  your 
letter  has  brought  it  all  up  to  mind  so  clearly. 

It  was,  as  you  say,  my  aim  to  have  the 
shortest  line  between  Chicago  and  Kansas 
City.  The  shorter  line  ran  some  miles  south 
of  Galesburg.  Mr.  Robinson,  the  chief  en- 
gineer, urged  the  adoption  of  this  line  very 
strongly.  Personally  I  was  anxious  to  have 
the  road  run  through  Galesburg.  My  for- 
mer connection  with  the  C.  B.  &  Q.  made  me 
familiar  with  the  place  and  its  attractions  for 

70 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

a  railroad.  The  desire  for  the  short  line  and 
Mr.  Robinson's  pressure  for  that  line  would 
have  won  the  day  if  you  had  not  come  for- 
ward at  the  right  moment  and  plead  the 
cause  of  Galesburg. 

It  was  purely  out  of  respect  for  you  that 
I  sent  Mr.  Robinson  to  Galesburg  to  consider 
a  line  through  Galesburg.  At  that  very  time 
Mr.  Robinson  had  orders  to  adopt  the  shorter 
line.  The  way  you  received  Mr.  Robinson, 
and  the  arguments  used  by  you  and  others, 
which  were  communicated  to  me  in  Boston, 
caused  the  company  to  make  the  proposition 
to  build  via  Galesburg,  provided  the  right-of- 
way  through  the  city  was  given.  This  prop- 
osition was  limited  to  a  few  days.  I  may  say 
a  few  working  hours.  It  was  accomplished. 
Your  faith,  hope  and  courage  carried  it 
through. 

My  knowledge  of  you  made  me  lean  on 
you  in  those  Galesburg  matters,  and  I  want 
to  say  to  you  now,  as  the  president  of  the 
Atchison  Co.  at  that  time,  that  if  it  had  not 
been  for  your  efforts  the  Santa  Fe  line  would 
have  gone  direct  from  Ft.  Madison  to  Strea- 
tor,  and  left  Galesburg  to  one  side. 

71 


History  of  Bringing  the 

I  believe,  all  things  considered,  that  the 
best  route  was  adopted. 

I  wish  to  thank  you  for  speaking  so  fa- 
vorably of  the  line  from  Kansas  City  to  Chi- 
cago and  what  you  say  about  the  whole  sys- 
tem being  disintegrated  without  it.  I  fully 
believe  it. 

The  Chicago  line,  the  Chicago  terminals, 
and  the  Galveston  line  are  the  three  great 
things  about  which  I  was  roundly  abused — 
and  woefully  misrepresented.  To-day  they 
are  considered  of  grand  conception — the  rock 
of  strength — and  parties  claim  superior  credit 
for  all  these  things,  who  actually  knew  noth- 
ing of  their  inception.    Such  is  life. 

As  I  hear  and  read,  I  sometimes  wonder 
if  I  ever  had  anything  to  do  with  the  Atchi- 
son System.  In  my  doubt,  I  turn  to  the  rec- 
ord and  I  find  when  I  went  to  that  line  in 
December,  1877,  there  were,  all  told,  787 
miles.  When  I  left  it  in  1889  there  were 
over  7,000  miles,  and  the  average  mortgage 
debt  was  only  $15,000  per  mile  and  stock  less 
than  $12,000  per  mile.  Pardon  length.  With 
all  good  wishes.        Yours  sincerely, 

W.  B.  Strong" 


72 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galesburg 

"Partridge  Farm" 

Beloit,  Wis.,  Jan.  6,  '98 
Dear  Col.  Carr: 

Yours  of  the  2nd  inst.  came  safely.  I 
thank  you  for  it. 

Your  letter  I  prize.  I  simply  want  to 
say  that  I  was  amazed  to  know  that  any  one 
believed  the  Atchison  line  would  have  gone 
to  Galesburg  any  way,  regardless  of  local 
aid.  I  want  to  say  to  you  in  the  most  posi- 
tive and  unequivocal  language,  that  the  lo- 
cation of  the  line  rested  with  JNIr.  Robinson 
and  myself.  We  agreed  perfectly  in  the 
proposition  made  to  Galesburg  and  in  the 
limit  of  time  for  its  acceptance  or  rejection. 

It  was  accepted  the  right  day.  I  was  in 
Boston  and  I  wired  Robinson  positive  in- 
structions if  the  proposition  was  not  perfect- 
ed that  day,  by  proper  responsible  parties,  to 
adopt  the  southern  and  more  direct  route. 

The  aid  granted  by  Galesburg  secured  the 
Atchison  line.  Without  that  aid  the  road 
would  have  been  built  several  miles  south  of 
Galesburg.  Personally  I  preferred  to  adopt 
the  Galesburg  line,  but  there  were  influences 


History  of  Bringing  the 

against  it  which  yielded,  on  condition  the 
local  aid  was  given.  I  am  greatly  pleased 
to  know  of  Galesburg's  prosperity.  I  hope 
it  will  continue.  I  am  pleased  to  know  you 
saw  Geo.  R.  Peck.  He  is  a  jewel.  We  fought 
and  bled  together.  He  is  no  coward.  God 
bless  him. 

My  dear  Colonel,  most  sincerely  I  wish 
you  and  yours  a  Happy  New  Year  and  may 
it  come  full  of  good  health  and  genuine  pros- 
perity to  you  and  each  one  dear  to  you. 
Yours  sincerely, 

Wm.  B.  Strong^' 


74 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

A  LETTER  FROM 
HON.  W.  SELDEN  GALE 

"Galesburg,  Nov.  5th,  1897 
Dear  Carr: 

I  have  a  line  from  Mr.  Munsell,  of  the 
Illinois  History  asking  me  for  an  account  of 
the  proceedings  securing  the  location  of  the 
Santa  Fe  at  Galeshurg.  I  had  expected  to 
furnish  a  statement,  but  the  papers  were 
called  for  before  I  had  done  it  and  a  very 
meager  account  was  gotten  up  by  them.  I 
told  Munsell  I  regretted  no  better  account 
could  be  made  and  he  said  he  would  send  me 
what  he  had  and  asked  me  to  furnish  a  more 
detailed  account.  I  supposed  it  had  gone 
by,  but  I  have  just  received  a  line  from  him 
asking  for  it.  Their  publication  is  a  little 
delayed.  You  took  the  lead  in  the  matter 
and  must  recollect  more  than  I  do,  and  I  wish 
you  would  recount  a  narrative  and  give  it  to 
me.  I  will  take  it  and  work  into  it  what  I 
can  remember  of  interest  which  escapes  you. 

As  you  need  not  be  known  as  the  author, 
you  need  not  be  modest  in  incorporating  in 

76 


History  of  Bringing  the 

the  statement  your  own  services  which  are 
entitled  to  very  honorable  mention,  and  which 
the  public  have  never  sufficiently  understood 
to  give  you  due  credit. 

Respectfully, 

W.  Selden  Gaim" 


76 


JOHX   K.   FROST 


Former     Land     CoiniiiissiDiici'     of     tlie     Atchison,     Tojicka     & 
Santa   Fe  Railway   ("<)ni])any. 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 


CONCLUSION 

Mr.  Gale,  at  seventy-eight  years  of  age,  on 
the  first  of  September,  1900,  died.  He  devoted 
his  whole  life  to  the  service  of  the  people  of  Gales- 
burg.  No  other  man  has  labored  so  long  and  so 
faithfully  and  so  intelligently  for  the  interests  of 
the  city. 

Colonel  George  R.  Peck,  after  its  location 
through  Galeshurg,  left  the  Santa  Fe  to  become 
the  General  Counsel  of  the  Milwaukee  &  St. 
Paul  Railway  Company.  He  then  removed  to 
Chicago,  where  he  still  resides. 

Mr.  John  E.  Frost,  as  Land  Commissioner 
of  the  Santa  Fe,  finally  closed  out  all  of  the  vast 
tract  granted  to  that  company  and  it  is  now  oc- 
cupied by  thrifty  farmers.  Mr.  Frost  still  re- 
sides at  Topeka,  Kansas. 

President  Strong,  in  feeble  health,  still  sur- 
vives.   It  is  a  great  satisfaction  to  his  friends  to 

77 


History  of  Bringing  the 

know  that  Mr.  E.  P.  Ripley,  now  the  president 
of  the  Santa  Fe,  who  has  so  ably  developed  the 
great  system  and  the  management  generally,  ap- 
preciate the  eminent  services  of  Mr.  Strong, 
whose  foresight,  and  energy,  and  enterprise  made 
it  possible  for  the  Santa  Fe  to  become  one  of  the 
greatest  railway  systems  of  the  world.  Mr. 
Strong  spends  much  of  his  time  at  Pasadena, 
California. 

Since  he  was  chief  engineer  of  the  Santa  Fe, 
Mr.  Robinson  was  for  several  years  president  of 
the  great  Mexican  Central  Railway.  His  home 
is  at  Topeka,  Kansas. 

In  the  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  century  that 
has  elapsed  since  1886,  when  the  great  railway 
was  located  to  run  through  Galesburg,  many  of 
our  citizens  who  took  an  honorable  part  in  the 
enterprise,  have  passed  away.  It  is  gratifying 
to  the  author  that  he  recalls  the  events  of  that 
important  and  memorable  epoch  in  our  history. 

In  justice  to  the  memory  of  those  who  by 
their  efforts  accomplished  the  grand  result,  the 
record  was  carefully  preserved  by  the  author 

78 


(X)I..  CI, AUK  E.  CAUU 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

for  those  who  come  after,  together  with  accounts 
of  their  dealings  with,  and  their  relations  to  the 
great  railway  company  whose  high  commendation 
and  unstinted  praise  were  given  to  the  people 
of  Galeshurg. 

The  benefits  of  the  railway  to  the  city  in 
adding  to  her  wealth  and  population  which  will 
continue  as  time  goes  on  to  be  augmented,  can 
hardly  be  overestimated. 


79 


History  of  Bringing  the 


INDEX 


PAOC 

ARNOLD,  B.  F. 

Speaks  in  favor  of  signing  Guarantee  bond 43 

AUTHOR 

Preserves  the  record  of  action   relating  to  the  bringing 
the  Santa  Fe  to  Galesburg 78 

ATCHISON,  TOPEKA  &  SANTA  FE  RAILWAY 

Directors  meet  in  Boston 30 

Wedded  to  short  line _ 8 

BROWN,  GEORGE  W. 

Declares  himself  ready  to  sign  Guarantee  bond 43 

Robinson,  Gale,  Carr  and  Barr  call  upon  Mr.  Brown  at 
his  farm  house,  east  of  Galesburg 18 

BARR,  P.  F. 

Consulting    Engineer    who    accompanied    Chief    Engineer 
Robinson  to  Galesburg _ 17 

CARR,  CLARK  E. 

Member  of  General  Committee 7 

Letter  to  Vice  President  Smith 8 

Letter  to  President  Strong 9 

Meets  President  Strong  in  Chicago _ 10 

Letter  to  President  Strong 10,  11,  12,  13 

Reads  letter  and  telegram  from  President  Strong  at  Guar- 
antee bond  meeting 42 

Explains  situation  at  Guarantee  bond  meeting 42 

Enthusiasm  when  Guarantee  bond  was  favored 44 

Telegraphs   President  Strong  with  conmiittee   announcing 
execution  of  Guarantee  bond 44 


80 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 

PAGE 

President  Strong's  reply 46 

Autograph  letters  of  President  Strong  to  Colonel  Carr 

70,  71,  72,  78,  74 

CLAY,  A.  C. 

Member  of  General  Committee 8 

COLTON,  FRANCIS 

Declares  he  had  come  prepared  to  sign  Guarantee  bond 48 

C.  B.  &  Q.  RAILWAY 

Arrange  for  their  main  Chicago  line  to  be  elevated  10  feet 
and  for  the  Santa  Fe  to  pass  under  it  along  Cedar  Fork, 
saving  a  large  sum  in  cost  of  right-of-way  to  the  people 
of  Galesburg „ ." 17 

ENGINEERS 

Engineers  sent  out  to  "pioneer"  for  a  line  for  a  railway 
from  Kansas  City  to  Chicago 4 

ENTERPRISE  AND  GENEROSITY 

Of  the  people  of  Galesburg _...     5 

EFFORT  TO  BRING 

Chief  Engineer  Robinson  to  Galesburg 18 

FIRST  MEETING 

To  consider  bringing  the  Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galesburg 
held  at  the  Galesburg  Club 7 

FROST,  JOHN  E. 

Land  Commissioner  of  the  A.  T.  &  S.  F.  Railway 6 

Letter  of  Mr.  Frost  to  Clark  E.  Carr 14,  16 

FOOTE,  DOCTOR  G.  W. 

Mayor  of  Galesburg 7 

Presides  at  first  meeting  at  the  Galesburg  Club 7 

Presides  at  mass  meeting  at  Princess  Rink 22 

81 


History  of  Bringing  the 


PAGE 

GALE,  HON.  W.  SELDEN 

Works  for  many  years  to  get  a  new  railway  to  Galesburg..     7 

Member  of  General  Committee 7 

Speaks  at  Guarantee  bond  meeting 42 

Speaks   at  mass   meeting  in  explanation  of  the  action  of 

the  General  Committee 22,  29,  32,  34 

Drives  over  city  with  Chief  Engineer  Robinson 17,  18,  19 

Letter  of  Mr.  Gale  to  Col.  Carr 75,  76 

Mr.  Gale  labored  all  his  life  for  Galesburg 77 

Colonel  Carr  consults  with  him 12 

For  many  years  he  urged  the  feasibility  of  building  a  rail- 
way down  Court  Creek 19 

GUARANTEE  BOND  MEETING 

Invitation  to  attend 38 

Attendance   41 

Text  of  Guarantee  bond 35 

Speakers  at  Guarantee  bond  meeting:  Clark  E.  Carr, 
W.  Selden  Gale,  T.  J.  Hale,  B.  F.  Arnold,  Francis  Colton, 
George  W.   Brown,  Timothy  Mosier,  and  E.  P.  Williams. 

J.  T.  McKnight  presided 41,  42,  43,  44 

Names  of  the  signers  of  the  Guarantee  bond 

36,  37,  38,  39,  40,  41 

HALE,  COLONEL  T.  J. 

Moved   and   carried   that  meeting  approve  signing  Guar- 
antee bond  by  rising  vote 43 

IMPORTANT  EPOCH 

In  the  history  of  Galesburg 3 

LINE  WAS  PROJECTED 

And  ordered  several  miles  south  of  Galesburg 70,  71 

MASS  MEETING 

At   Princess   Rink 21,  22 

Text  of  call 21 


82 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galeshurg 


PAOB 

Rink  filled  to  overflowing 22 

Mr.  Gale  speaks  on  behalf  of  the  committee,  showing  the 
importance  of  the  line  and  the  danger  of  losing  it,  etc 22 

Colonel  Carr,  J.  A.  McKenzie,  O.  T.  Johnson,  George  Ekins, 
G.  A.  Murdoch  and  others  followed  Mr.  Gale 24 

Hon  D.  H.  Frisbie  offers  resolutions  which  were  unani- 
mously adopted 24,  25,  26 

Several  added  to  General  Committee,  on  motion  of  J.  B. 
Boggs  26 

Committees  appointed  to  circulate  subscription  papers. 
Every  one  in  Galesburg  assessed 26 

Mcknight,  j.  t. 

Member  of  General  Committee 8 

Call  for  mass  meeting 22 

Presided  over  the  Guarantee  bond  meeting 41 

MACK,  MAX  J. 

Mentioned  in  Mr.  Frost's  letter 14 

MATTESON,  ASA  A 47 

MOSIER,  TIMOTHY 

Declares  in  favor  of  signing  the  Guarantee  bond 48 

PECK,  COLONEL  GEORGE  R 6,  18 

ROBINSON,  A,  A. 

Vice  President  and  Chief  Engineer  of  the  Atchison,  To- 

peka  &  Santa  Fe  Railway 6 

Writes  and  telegraphs  to  Colonel  Carr 16 

Arrives  in  Galesburg  on  the  morning  of  Dec.  4,  1886 17 

Drives  over  the  entire  city  with  Gale,  Carr  and  Barr.  Ex- 
amining carefully  Cedar  Fork  and  Court  Creek  valleys....  17 

Call  upon  Hon.  George  W.  Brown 18 

Mr.  Robinson  was  struck  with  remarkably  favorable  line 
presented  by  Cedar  Fork  and  Court  Creek  valleys  for 

a    railroad 18 

Declared  city  must  furnish  right  of  way,  etc.,  to  get  road. 
Mr.  Robinson's  visit  greatly  encouraged  the  committee....  21 

83 


History  of  Bringing  the 


PAGE 

Letter  from   Mr.   Robinson  to  Colonel  Carr  urging  that 

Galesburg's  proposition  be  sent  in  at  once 27 

Reply  of  committee  to  him 29 

Referred  to  in  letters  and  telegrams  of  President  Strong 
29,  30,  31,  82,  70,  71,  72 

RIPLEY,  MR.  E.  P. 

Now  president  of  the  Atchison,  Topeka  &  Santa  Fe  Rail- 
way highly  appreciates  the  work  of  President  W.  B. 
Strong 78 

SMITH,  C.  W. 

Vice  President  Atchison,  Topeka  &  Santa  Fe  Railway  Co.     6 

STRONG,  WM.  B. 

President  Atchison,  Topeka  &  Santa  Fe  Railway  Co.,  met 

by  Colonel  Carr 6 

Colonel  Carr  writes  to  him „ 9 

Colonel  Carr  meets  him  in  Chicago  early  in  November 10 

Colonel  Carr  writes  him  on  Nov.  11,  1886 10 

He  is  urged  to  send  Chief  Engineer  Robinson  to  Gales- 
burg  to  look  the  ground  over 13 

Robinson  declares  he  could  not  advise  President  Strong 
to  build  the  road  through  Galesburg  unless  city  would 

furnish  right  of  way,  etc 20 

Santa  Fe  directors  to  meet  in  Boston 80 

Telegram  from  Mr.  Strong  when  presiding  over  directors' 

meeting  in  Boston 80 

Telegram  to  Mr.  Strong  in  reply  by  Galesburg  committee....  81 
Col.    Carr    reads    at    Guarantee    bond    meeting    telegrams 
from  Mr,  Strong  showing  that  by  executing  the  Guar- 
antee bond  the  road  could  be  secured 42 

Galesburg  committee  telegraphs  Mr.  Strong  when  pre- 
siding over  directors'  meeting  in  Boston  annoxmcing  that 
full  Guarantee  bond  had  been  executed  and  accepting 
his  proposition  to  build  road  through  Galesburg 45 

84 


Santa  Fe  Railway  to  Galesburg 


PAOE 

Reply  of  Mr.  Strong  announcing  that  he  had  directed 
Mr.  Robinson  to  have  the  matter  (the  location  of  the 
Santa  Fe  through  Galesburg)  put  in  shape,  etc 46 

Letter  of  Mr.  Strong  to  Colonel  Carr  written  eleven  years 
after  the  Santa  Fe  was  located  to  run  through  Gales- 
burg telling  of  how  much  Colonel  Carr  did  toward  ac- 
complishing that   result 70,  71,  72 

Another  letter  from  President  Strong  in  which  he  says: 
"I  was  amazed  to  know  that  any  one  believed  the  Atch- 
ison line  would  have  gone  through  Galesburg  any  way 
regardless  of  local  aid."  *  •  ♦  ♦  "The  aid  granted  by 
Galesburg  secured  the  Atchison  line.  Without  that  aid 
the  road  would  have  gone  several  miles  south  of  Gales- 
burg"  78,  74 

SUBSCRIPTIONS 

To  the  right-of-way  purchase  fund  with  amounts  paid  by 
each  subscriber  and  the  amounts  returned  to  him.. ..50,  61 
62,  58,  64,  65,  56,  67,  68,  59,  60,  61,  62,  63,  64,  66,  66,  67,  68,  69 

WILLIAMS,  E.  P. 

Member  of  General  Committee,  declares  in  favor  of  sign- 
ing Guarantee  bond 43 

WILLIAMS,  NORMAN 

Solicitor  Atchison,  Topeka  &  Santa  Fe  Railway.  Official 
letter  to  the  citizen's  committee  highly  commending  the 
people  of  Galesburg  for  the  manner  in  which  they  car- 
ried out  their  obligation  to  furnish  right-of-way,  etc 49 


85 


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